Isko probes village chief over relief goods swap

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno yesterday ordered a barangay captain investigated for allegedly exchanging spaghetti for instant noodles in food packs that the city government distributed to residents of Tondo.

In a video that went viral on Facebook, a resident of Barangay 43 complained that barangay captain Irene Padasas allegedly switched a one-kilo pack of spaghetti for three packs of instant noodles in the package he received.

Upon learning of the incident, Moreno ordered Maj. Rosalino Ibay Jr., who heads the Manila Police District (MPD) Special Mayor’s Reaction Team, to investigate and file charges against Padasas.

Ibay said the case is unique because “apparently there was a prior understanding between the barangay official and the recipient of the food pack that the instant noodles will be included instead of the spaghetti.”

Padasas showed up at Ibay’s office on Thursday afternoon to air her side.

Ibay said the investigation will continue against Padasas and captains Edgardo Fojas of Barangay 61, Erwin Catacutan Jr. of Barangay 62, Rodrigo Villarde of Barangay 71 and Joey Uy Jamisola of Barangay 306.

They are among 44 barangay captains, a barangay secretary and a barangay treasurer accused of pilfering cash aid and relief goods, unfair distribution of relief packs and anomalies in the issuance of quarantine passes, according to Cesar Chavez, Moreno’s chief of staff.

Meanwhile, MPD Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda yesterday confirmed that at least four detainees from a police station tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as early as Monday.

Miranda also said 39 personnel from a police community precinct of the same station were placed under quarantine after their commander also tested positive for COVID-19.

The detainees, most of them serving time on drug charges, are now under the custody of the city health department, Miranda said.

He added that the rest of the detainees are being closely monitored “but so far none of them have shown any symptoms.”