The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Tuesday (Oct. 20) it is closely coordinating with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to ensure that the necessary assistance will be fully extended to their wounded field workers who were attacked by gunmen in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi last week.
DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), the DSWD already extended help to its two program implementors who were attacked by gunmen along the highway of Barangay Lapid-Lapid while on their way home following a five-day payout in the coastal municipality of Panglima Sugala in Tawi-Tawi on October 12, 2020.
"We have extended assistance to the program implementors. We are also closely coordinating with the BARMM so that we can ensure the protection of our field workers and prevent the repeat of such untoward incident," she said in a virtual press briefing.
She said the DSWD expressed all-out support to Niezel Ladjauddin Asakil, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) OIC Provincial Link in Tawi-Tawi, and Kevin Pon, 4Ps Municipal Link, whose lives were put at risk for fulfilling their duties.
"DSWD recognizes the efforts of field workers to deliver the necessary assistance to 4Ps and other program beneficiaries despite the many threats to their health and safety,” Dumlao said.
Under AICS, the individuals and families in crisis situations are expected to receive a provision of integrated services, which include financial, medical, burial, cash, food, educational, and transportation assistance depending on their needs.