MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice (DOJ) has reiterated that law enforcement agents should not interfere with anyone doing good deeds which include setting up community pantries.

In a statement, DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra said a law enforcer should also not question individuals involved in community pantries unless they are violating laws.

“Suffice it to say that a person voluntarily doing an act of kindness and compassion toward his neighbor should be left alone,” he said.

“It is not proper for law enforcement agents to interrogate him unless there is reason to believe that he is violating any law, ordinance, rule, or regulation for the good or welfare of the community,” he added.

However, Guevarra refused to comment if police authorities violated the privacy act in gathering information about the organizers of community pantries. He also clarified that organizers are not required to fill out forms.

“Organizers of community pantries have no legal duty or are under any compulsion to fill out any forms, as these are not considered business, much less illegal activities,” he said. AAC (with reports from Dante Amento)

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MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is not bothered by recent reports that some military officials are withdrawing their support for the administration over his supposed silence on the West Philippine Sea issue, Malacañang said Monday.

In an online briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque dismissed rumors on the supposed looming military uprising as “kwentong kutsero” (hearsay).

“Hindi po nababahala ang presidente, alam po ng presidente, tapat siya sa Saligang Batas, at alam po niya na nirerespeto rin ng ating mga kasundaluhan ang ating Saligang Batas,” Roque said.

He also reiterated Duterte’s earlier remark that soldiers can always remove him if the military thinks he is useless.

“Kung gugustuhin ng military, kahit sino pwedeng ipatanggal ng militar,” he said.

“Kampante po siya na walang dahilan para naman umakto ng ganyan ang ating mga kasundalohan,” he added.

Roque issued the statement a day after the Department of National Defense (DND) denied reports that some retired and active military officials are planning to withdraw their support for Duterte over his stance against China and its incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

The Palace official also believes that there is no need for a loyalty check among the military generals and that they can always choose a new leader with the upcoming election year. – RRD (with details from Correspondent Rosalie Coz)

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