Army assures no monitoring of community pantries in Western Visayas

THE 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army assured that it is not monitoring community pantries in Western Visayas.

Major Cenon Pancito, spokesperson of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Western Visayas, said, "We in 3rd Infantry Division don't monitor pantry. We fully subscribe to the spirit of Bayanihan in this time of the pandemic."

He explained that Parlade's statement could have been misunderstood because, in some areas, the popularity of community pantries is being penetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People's Army by making issues against the government.

Pancito said they adhere to the tradition of the Filipinos to practice the Bayanihan system as part of the Filipinos resiliency to share what is needed.

"We don't disallow community pantries, however, in some areas, it is being taken advantaged of by some against the government," he said.

Pancito also said the 3ID remains loyal to its commander-in-chief amid issues that the military and the Philippine National Police plan to withdraw support for the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.