Mambaling official to Labella: Help or we’ll die of hunger

CEBU, Philippines —  Saying her people are hungry and suffering badly, Mambaling, Cebu City barangay councilor Anne Marie Vestil Palomo took to social media her call for Mayor Edgardo Labella to address the concerns of the residents, specifically in Alaska area which is still under lockdown.

Palomo, in a recorded video posted on her Facebook account, appealed to Labella to take a look at the real situation in the area.

She said that around 20,000 affected residents in 16 sitios are hungry and suffering badly.

Labella implemented a total lockdown in the Alaska area on May 6 due to the rising coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases there.

“We know for a fact that the byproduct of a lockdown area is hunger,” said Palomo.

Palomo said the government was not able to sustain the daily provisions for the residents affected.

“Kulang kaayo (it’s totally not enough), sir,” she said.

In Alaska, she added, the number one problem is hunger.

“If this problem could not be addressed by your good office, I fear that our people will not die of COVID-19 but they will die of hunger,” Palomo told Labella in her recorded video.

“Our people are hungry, honorable mayor. Our children are hungry, honorable mayor. Please you need to extend help to Alaska,” she said.

Palomo is also asking Labella to inform them on the status of the process of the lifting of lockdown in Alaska area.

“When? What is our status now? Who should take action about this if not you, honorable mayor?” she said.

She said the person Labella entrusted authority with in Barangay Mambaling is “not doing a great service to the Alaskahanons.”

She lamented the absence of an official statement to even reach out to these people in Alaska, to make people understand the current situation, and how to get out from it.

“Please, honorable mayor, you have to lay down the cards. The ball is in your hands. Lay down the process. Make us understand. And, please make an exclusive statement to address the concerns of our Alaskahanons,” Palomo appealed.

The barangay councilor stressed that the situation is very serious and she expects Labella’s office to take action on the matter.

“Honorable mayor, sir, make it clear to us what’s your good office is doing as to the maintenance of order and the assistance to our people in the lockdown area as to lowering the COVID-19 cases here or to even zero it,” said Palomo.

“Our people are crying for help. You need to help. Everyone has to help. Because this is real life situation. Our people are so hungry so please, sir, do something about it,” she added.

Labella has yet to issue his comment on Palomo’s call.  JMD (FREEMAN)