DSWD to extend aid to families of 2 Filipinos killed in Israel
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Wednesday, Oct. 11 directed the agency’s operations group to locate and assist the families of two Filipinos killed in the ongoing Israeli conflict.
The DSWD chief has instructed Undersecretary for Operations Group Pinky Romualdez to contact the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to obtain information on the families of two Filipino migrant workers killed in a surprise attack by Hamas in southern Israel.
“Let's extend all possible financial assistance,” Gatchalian said.
He acknowledged that financial resources alone cannot alleviate the grief of families who lost loved ones in the Hamas attack on Israel, but emphasized the DSWD's commitment to providing all possible assistance.
DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications and spokesperson Romel Lopez said financial aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program is available to the families of the two slain Filipinos.
“As the department helps individuals through these difficult times, psychosocial counseling will work hand in hand with financial support to ensure a comprehensive approach,” Lopez said.
In addition to receiving financial assistance, he said the families would be referred to the DSWD regional offices so that social workers could assess their needs and determine the services that would be most helpful in their hometowns.