BACOLOD CITY – Victorias City in Negros Occidental is investigating the alleged irregularities in the distribution of cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) in one of its barangays.

In a statement on Thursday, Mayor Abelardo Bantug III said his office received information that beneficiaries received an amount less than what was due to them and were instructed to return a certain amount to the person preparing the list of beneficiaries.

At least 150 individuals have expressed interest in filing complaints.

“This is unacceptable. We do not – and will never – tolerate such acts,” Abelardo said.

Bantug said that based on a letter received by the Mayor’s Office on Dec. 9, an AICS payout was conducted in Barangay 21 without the presence of any personnel from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

“I immediately directed our CSWD head to report the incident to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office. In response, personnel from the DSWD personally supervised the payout and repeatedly reminded the beneficiaries that they should receive the full amount due to them,” he said.

He said the DSWD staff advised the beneficiaries to report any irregularities or any demand for the return of money.

“Despite these precautions, our office still received several complaints on Wednesday confirming that beneficiaries received a lesser amount than what was due to them,” Bantug said.

Although the mayor did not mention specific amounts, reports circulating on social media mentioned a payout of P10,000 for each beneficiary, after which the individual supposedly in-charge of the list takes back P8,500, leaving the beneficiary with only P1,500.

“To ensure that justice is pursued, we have already taken decisive action. I have directed our CSWD personnel to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation,” Bantug said, adding that they strongly urge all victims or witnesses to come forward and file complaints before the CSWDO.

Bantug said the more than 150 individuals who came forward are being assisted by the CSWDO and the City Legal Office.

“We have prepared their sworn statements. We have also gathered videos, audio recordings, and screenshots of conversations between the complainants and the persons responsible,” he said.

The mayor said the pieces of evidence will be consolidated and endorsed to the DSWD-Negros Island Region for the filing of the appropriate criminal case.

In a separate statement, Vice Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca said the City Council stands firmly behind the mayor in condemning the alleged irregularities in the AICS payout.

“We fully support all efforts to hold those responsible accountable and ensure that every Victoriasanon receives the assistance they rightfully deserve. Exploitation of our people has no place in Victorias City,” he said.

AICS is one of the social welfare services of the DSWD that provides medical, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance for other support services or needs of a person or family.

Cash grants range from P1,000 to P10,000, depending on the assessment made by the DSWD social workers. (PNA)