The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Field Office XII continues to assist families affected by military operations against the Maute  group in  Butig , Lanao del Sur.

Social workers from the Field Office are still detailed in the area for relief distribution.

As of today, some 1,203  family food packs have been distributed  to  evacuees who sought temporary shelter in neighboring barangays and evacuation centers , broken down as follows:

Barangay Samer- 123 family packs

Barangay  Bayabao – 500 family packs

Mipantao Primary School – 140 family packs

Raya Timbab Madrasah – 360 family packs

Raya Timbab  Multi-Purpose Center –  80 family packs

Field Office XII Director Zorahayda Taha  who  leads the relief operations in the area said, ” We ensure that all families who were affected by the armed conflict are provided  with appropriate assistance and  interventiions apart from the family food packs. We ask that our military partners will help us ensure that families in the evacuation centers are able to return safely to their communities.”

She added , “Our call is for the clashing forces  to respect the rights of the civilians and spare them from harm, especially the children.”

DSWD Sec. Judy M. Taguiwalo said that it is now part of the DSWD’s mandate to address the immediate needs of Filipinos caught in the middle of incidents of armed conflict. “It is the humanitarian duty of the DSWD to provide emergency assistance to families and communities affected by armed conflict. We are especially concerned with the plight of children, the elderly, and ill individuals. We make an appeal for their safety and security,” she said.

“DSWD Field Office XII and the Central Office will continue to monitor the situation in Butig. We are prepared to assist the LGU in addressing the needs of the affected residents,” she said.#