ARMM provides relief, medical aid to displaced families in Sulu

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 12): ARMM provides relief, medical aid to displaced families in Sulu

About 4,000 families affected by intensified military operations against members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu received relief goods and medical assistance from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on September 5.

ARMM regional vice-governor Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr. led the delivery of the humanitarian assistance with Sulu Governor Abdusakur Totoh Tan II and Director Ramil Masukat of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and ARMM – Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (ARMM-HEART).

As of September 5, close to 4,000 families have been displaced by the military’s offensive against the Abu Sayyaf with most of the evacuees coming from five municipalities namely Patikul (1,122 families); Maimbung (1,321); Indanan (400); Parang (1,113); and Panamao (29).

Myrna Jo Henry, ARMM-HEART information officer, said their team validated the number of affected families that received the region’s relief and medical assistance.

ARMM-HEART is a convergence of agencies that oversees disaster preparedness and response in the region.

The team includes the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Office of Civil Defense, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Regional Planning and Development Office, among others.

 http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521473603424/armm-provides-relief-medical-aid-to-displaced-families-in-sulu