Suspended North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco has organized a group of volunteers and partnered with several companies to extend help to quake victims in her province.

Catamco told that she conducted the relief operations in her private capacity.

Catamco was suspended for 90 days over her supposed involvement in an overpriced fertilizer deal involving a Cebu local government unit when she was still plain businesswoman. Her suspension ends on November 20, 2019.

“As private citizen due to suspension order I lend my helping hand to victims of the earthquake in various areas of the province,” Catamco said in a statement.

Catamco, who lost control over how calamity funds are disbursed at the capitol because of the suspension, had partnered with Aboitiz Foundation, Sogo Hotel, Apo Agua, Tuklas Katutubo and other groups to deliver much-needed aid to earthquake victims.

Since Saturday, volunteers for Catamco distributed food, water, and temporary shelters to evacuees in hardest hit areas of Makilala, Tulunan and Kidapawan City.

“Extending a helping hand recognizes no boundaries, no faith, no color, tribe, spiritual and political belief, I help because I am capable and it is my duty as a citizen of North Cotabato,” Catamco said.

Catamco’s team also distributed food packs, rice and tarpaulin to displaced families in Barangay Ilomavis, one of the hardest villages of Kidapawan where landslide prevented relief goods to arrive on time.

“We will continue this operation as long as we can and as long as I am capable, in my own little way,” she said, adding that once she returns to the office of the governor, she will do more.

Catamco also lauded her partners-friends such as Metrobank Foundation, Rotary International-Gen. Santos City and Off-Roaders Club of North Cotabato.

The groups donated water containers, rice and other relief goods for the displaced families. (PNA)