Buying, selling of relief goods prohibited — DSWD

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has warned evacuees that buying and selling of relief goods are prohibited by law.

DSWD Region XII director Nestor Ramos said they are investigating reports that some evacuees in Marawi City are selling relief goods they have received from the government.

He said those proven to have committed such act may face prosecution and be disqualified from receiving future aid from the government.

“We understand that they are in need of money, that is why they sell relief goods. But we also have to realize that based on our guidelines, selling these relief goods is prohibited. These goods are meant for their own consumption,” Ramos said.

DSWD officer-in-charge Emmanuel Leyco previously said the agency is implementing various programs to provide support for those who evacuated from Marawi because of the months-long conflict.

He warned that those who buy and sell relief goods could face penalties of up to 12 years in prison for violating provisions of Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

“The DSWD does not tolerate and strongly condemns the selling and buying of the department’s relief goods. We would like to inform the public that those who commit such acts will be held liable and will be penalized under the law,” Leyco said.

“The aid that the government provides are for our fellow Filipinos who have been affected by a crisis. Those who commit these illegal acts are robbing the victims of the help that they badly need,” he added.

Section 19 of Republic Act 10121 prohibits the selling of relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities intended for distribution to disaster victims. It also prohibits buying, either for consumption or resale, of relief supplies both from disaster relief agencies and from the recipient disaster-affected persons.

Other prohibited acts include preventing the entry and distribution of relief goods in disaster-stricken areas; diverting or misdelivery of relief goods; forcibly seizing of the goods intended for a specific group of victims or relief agency; and accepting, possessing, using or disposing of relief supplies not intended for nor consigned to a person.

Violators of such prohibited acts could face a fine of up to P500,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 years.

“We call on the public to help us guard the relief aid intended for the victims of disasters and calamities by reporting to us all cases that involve selling and buying of the department’s relief goods,” Leyco said.

Incidents of buying and selling of relief goods, as well as other violations may be reported to http://ereklamo.dswd.gov.ph/ or at the field offices of the DSWD.– With Janvic Mateo