Gov't relief agencies help 500 families displaced by clashes in Lanao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24): Gov't relief agencies help 500 families displaced by clashes in Lanao Sur

Disaster workers in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the provincial government of Lanao del Sur have extended assistance to at least 500 families displaced by hostilities between the Maute terror group and government forces since the weekend in Piagapo town in Lanao del Sur, officials said Monday.

There are now about 2,000 individuals in various evacuation sites who are getting aid from the provincial government and the ARMM's Humanitarian Emergency Action Response (HEART), according to Salma Jayne Tamano, Lanao del Sur provincial information officer.

“We expect the number of evacuees to increase as fighting entered its third day today," she said.

Lanao del Sur Gov. Bedjoria Soraya Adiong has directed social welfare workers and health providers to ensure the displaced families will not be inconvenienced at the temporary shelters.

Government forces have clashed with the Maute group, also known as the Dawlah Islamiya, which is headed by Omar and Abdullah Maute, both ethnic Maranaws.

The group, which raised the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria flag in nearby Butig town last year, is publicly advocating for extremism.

Captain Joann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, said the Army will help bring back the displaced families once the hostilities are over.

Radulan Sahiron, an elder of the Abu Sayyaf Group, was reported to be in Lanao Sur to meet with the Maute brothers.

Houses and school buildings in Piagapo were reportedly destroyed by air and ground assaults by government forces.

Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez said the operation against the Maute brothers and their followers will continue without let-up.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/982167