Food supplies buried in Boystown complex

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor-elect Isko Moreno will launch an investigation into the alleged sabotage at the Boystown complex where piles of food supplies were found buried yesterday.

Maj. Rosalino Ibay Jr., chief of the Manila Police District special mayor’s reaction team, said rice, sugar, chocolate, coffee and oatmeal were buried in a six-foot-deep hole dug up inside the complex at around 8 a.m.

Moreno inspected the site following a report from a concerned citizen that food items were buried in the area.

He vowed to file charges against city officials as soon as he assumes office if it is proven that there was sabotage.

Ibay said Benita Tanyag, local social welfare and development chief; Jomari Malbog, head of property and supplies section, and contractual employee Anthony Andres would be investigated.

“Tanyag gave Malbog authority to dispose of the food items without an official order from city hall. We will investigate them,” Ibay said.

He said six security guards would be summoned to shed light on the incident.

Officials said the food items were taken out of their packaging before these were discarded, an indication that something was wrong.

“We will determine how they managed to dispose of the items without the approval of the Commission on Audit,” Ibay said.

Moreno said he wanted to know why the food supplies were disposed of if these were still “safe to eat.”

He said the head of the Boystown complex was not informed about the matter.

“The food would have benefited senior citizens and children,” Moreno said.

The incoming mayor said he would also look into the alleged theft of properties inside the complex.