We are saddened by the abduction yesterday of our three staff who were validating families of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries and coordinating for the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program in Barangay Upper Sinumaan, Talipao, Sulu in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

They were abducted at around 2 p.m. while on their way to validate family-beneficiaries to be added to Pantawid Pamilya and to monitor the PAMANA project in the said community.

We are now closely coordinating with ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan and Talipao Mayor Sitti Raya Tulawie for appropriate actions to be taken and to ensure their safety.

“We are praying earnestly in this Holy Month of Ramadan for compassion. Our colleagues from DSWD-ARMM are only doing their duty to help the poor people of Talipao – their brothers and sisters in Islam,” said Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman.

To their families and loved ones, we pray for their continued strength. Rest assured that the Department is ready to support and provide them the necessary assistance.  ###