Angel Locsin issues heartfelt apology over community pantry chaos
Angel Locsin issued a heartfelt apology over what happened in the community pantry she set up in celebration of her 36th birthday, where the crowd unfortunately got out of control in terms of COVID-19 protocols.
In an Instagram video, the actress and philanthropist said they were able to keep everything in check with the use of claim stubs, until many residents cut in line ahead of others. Despite markers for social distancing and assistance from the city hall, military, police, and barangay officials, things still got out of hand.
“'Di lang po talaga nila makontrol yung mga tao. Hindi po ito ang gusto ko. Nagsimula po kami na maayos po ang aming layunin pati ang amin pong pagpaplano ng social distancing. Nagkataon lang po talaga na siguro gutom lang po talaga yung tao na kahit wala po sa pila sumingit na po sila,” she said.
“Sa lahat po ng naabala ngayon, pasensya na po. Hindi po ito talaga yung intensyon natin. Kahit anong paghahanda naman po natin para ma-avoid yung mga ganitong gulo, hindi lang po talaga siya ma-control.”
Additionally, Locsin said sorry to residents who weren’t able to get their much-needed aid today. “Gustuhin ko man pong mag-abot, I don't think papayagan pa po ako ulit na gawin 'to. Baka po ipahatid na lang namin ‘to kung ano man po ang matitirang goods natin sa area para mapakinabangan ng iba. Pasensya na po,” she said.
“Gusto ko lang po talagang i-celebrate ang birthday ko sana na makatulong ako sa ibang tao. Hindi ko po intensyon na makagulo,” added Locsin.
A 67-year-old man died after collapsing while waiting in line at the community pantry situated in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte also issued a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of Mr. Rolando dela Cruz, 67 years old, who perished during a community pantry organized by actress and philanthropist Angel Locsin. The city government will shoulder the burial expenses of Mr. dela Cruz, and will extend financial assistance to his family.”
The mayor reminded people that while the city fully supports such initiatives from its citizens, they “should coordinate all efforts with the barangay, and if necessary, with the LGU. The barangay and local government are here to assist with crowd control and health protocols, to ensure that untoward incidents are minimized.”
She said advanced coordination will “allow all stakeholders to be proactive, rather than reactive. Sadly, in this case, we were not advised regarding any plans, which would have surely made a difference in the outcome of today's events. My dear QCitizens, let us continue to be kind and compassionate, but practice foresight while doing both.”
Article thumbnails by Ernie Penaredondo/Philippine Star
