DSWD distributes aid as Basilan fighting due to 'rido' subsides
DSWD aid to Basilan. (FB)
LAMITAN CITY, Basilan – The Department of Social Welfare and Development has distributed relief goods to families displaced by clan violence in Tipo-Tipo town, Basilan province, authorities said Wednesday.
Dr. Nur-Khan Istarul, provincial board member, said 2,500 family food packs were distributed in coordination with the provincial and municipal social welfare offices.
The aid arrived Tuesday afternoon as fighting ceased between armed groups in Barangay Tipo-Tipo Proper.
Initial reports show 1,700 families, or about 7,000 individuals, fled their homes when lawless elements backed by some Moro Islamic Liberation Front members clashed with the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team on Tuesday.
Police Col. Cerrazid Umabong, provincial police director, said the fighting stopped Tuesday afternoon following joint intervention by the provincial government, military, police, and other sectors.
"Our focus now is to assist the displaced families to return home and to restore normalcy in Tipo-Tipo," Umabong said.
Four people were wounded in the clash, which authorities said was caused by "rido" or clan feud.
Gov. Mujiv Hataman has tapped the Ulama Council, led by Grand Mufti Dr. Aboulkhair Tarason, to strengthen peace advocacy and prevent a recurrence.
"We must adhere to the true teachings of Islam," Tarason said. (PNA)