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Relief distribution lines result in minor altercations
Following Super Typhoon Yutu, there have been minor altercations observed in various relief distribution lines.
According to Department of Public Safety Commissioner Robert Guerrero, there have been many relief distribution programs following Super Typhoon Yutu like food stamp, relief good distributions, and more and as anticipated, there have been altercations observed.
Fortunately, Guerrero said that all altercations were minor and no one has been arrested so far.
“We have had arguments here and there…but our officers and the people in charge of thess areas have done a good job at defusing the situations… our officers have managed to de-escalate the situations…so far, we’ve haven’t had to arrest people because of that,” he said.
Guerrero said that altercations are expected especially in times of struggles and everyone has been struggling following the devastation of Yutu.
“We’re all struggling …Just with all the pressure that has been going on, tempers will flare but we ask for the community’s understanding and try to understand the situation,” he said.
Guerrero added that everybody has been hurting because everyone has sustained damage as a result of Yutu.
“Even I sustained damage from the storm…. We’re all trying to cope with it and arguing with each other or getting fists involved is not going to solve it. You’re just creating more problems for yourself and your family,” he said.
Guerrero said that police officers have been working around the clock and have been more vigilant in terms of safety whether its burglary or minor or major altercations.
Guerrero said that police officers have even been working 16-hour shifts to ensure peace in the CNMI community in such a tough time.
