BY AARON RECUENCO
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POLICE commanders are now coordinating with their military counterparts for clearing operations in areas infested by communist rebels and other threat groups as the government prepares for the distribution of the second tranche of cash assistance to those affected by lockdown measures.
Police Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the move is to ensure that those who would be tasked to distribute the cash assistance will not be harassed or fall prey to threat groups especially in far-flung areas.
“Police Regional Offices have coordinated with Armed Forces of the Philippines territorial units for clearing operations to ensure the safe passage of target cash subsidy beneficiaries from their residences to designated distribution centers,” said Gamboa.
“Select PNP personnel will be deployed in the distribution centers to assist in the actual disbursement and handling of funds, in cooperation with DSWD Special Disbursing Officers,” he added.
Cases of harassments and attacks were recorded during the distribution of the first tranche of SAP assistance.
As a result, the distribution of the cash assistance for those who were rendered jobless and were deprived of income due to the implementation of lockdown measures against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was delayed.
