DSWD assists 98 families affected by military-rebel clash in Ifugao

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17): DSWD assists 98 families affected by military-rebel clash in Ifugao

The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) office in the Cordillera region has extended aid to 98 families whose lives were endangered when soldiers overran a suspected New People’s Army (NPA) camp in Sitio Pinugao, Barangay Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao province last February 12.

DSWD-Cordillera’s regional director, Janet Armas, reported that they provided the 98 families, consisting of 398 individuals, 107 of whom were children, some 500 food packs, 127 mats, 105 blankets, and 60 dignity kits.

They were accommodated in evacuation centers opened at the Namal Elementary School, facilities in Sitio Bahgit, Sitio Nanlapunan, and Sitio Ulnoy, and the Sitio Pebet Day Care Center.

Armas said Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Baguilat donated PHP15,000, while the municipality of Lamut, Ifugao gave 10 sacks of rice and used clothing. According to reports, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who hail from Ifugao have also sent donations.

The DSWD central office is set to airlift flannel blankets to Ifugao after an unidentified senior citizen reportedly died because of exposure to the cold after he refused to move to an evacuation center.

Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo meanwhile said the armed confrontation between the military and the NPA is a compelling reason to revive the formal peace negotiations between the government (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

“We must all support calls for the resumption of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. Incidents of armed conflict more often than not lead to violations against the rights of civilians. Their safety, security, and very lives are put in danger, and the normal flow of their lives spent mainly on pursuing their respective means of livelihood are disrupted,” she said.

”Children are also especially vulnerable, as well as senior citizens. If and when the peace talks continue, there will be higher chances for peace to take root in our country and hopefully, fewer incidents of armed skirmishes.”

The social welfare chief also lauded the local governments for their swift response to help the evacuees.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=965002