Technicality delays aid to Paknaan fire victims
WITH 440 fire victims awaiting financial assistance from the Mandaue City government, the barangay officials had yet to declare the barangay under a state of calamity, a requirement needed to release money from the calamity funds.
Paknaan Barangay Captain Malaquias Soco said on Friday that they had yet to consult the Commission on Audit on whether they could declare the barangay under a state of calamity because the agency would require at least 25 percent of the barangay’s population to be a affected for it to be declared under a state of calamity.
Soco said he would consult with COA during their seminar today (Saturday) on whether they could be allowed to declare a state of calamity with only 440 fire victims.
Despite this technicality, Soco said the barangay had been providing assistance to the fire victims by working with the City Social Welfare Services (CSWS).
Jessie Perez, CSWS head, said that they had already distributed food packs and basic necessities needed by the victims like blankets mats and soap.
Most of the fire victims have set up makeshift tents near the fire site while the others are staying at the Paknaan gymnasium.
On reports that the fire was allegedly intentionally started by four unidentified men, police said they were still investigating the report.
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