The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided a total of P4.85 million-worth of food packs, and other food and non-food items, as augmentation assistance, to the local government of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, for the families displaced by the ongoing clash between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) which started on February 27.

DSWD is assisting 2,090 families or 10, 450 persons who have been affected by the armed conflict. They are now staying in the six evacuation centers set-up by the local government unit (LGU).

As of today, the DSWD-Field Office XII has a stockpile of 70,000 family food packs worth P25.2 million and assorted food and non-food items worth P17.5 million ready for distribution to evacuees when necessary.

Likewise, a standby fund of P2 million is also available for the purchase of emergency relief supplies.

Meanwhile, DSWD also continues to assist the families displaced by the ongoing clash between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and BIFF in Pagalungan in Maguindanao and Pikit in North Cotabato.

The LGU of Pagalungan received an augmentation assistance of P679,010 worth of food packs and other food and non-food items.

A total of 1,820 families or 9,100 persons have been affected by the armed conflict in the said town. Of these, 1,733 families or 8,665 persons are staying in the eight evacuation centers set-up by the local government.

In Pikit, DSWD has given P1.3-million worth of family food packs and malong to the local government. The armed conflict in this town has displaced some 3,169 families or 15,845 persons. They are now staying in 13 evacuation centers.

DSWD is working with the Social Welfare and Development Department of  Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in delivering the goods to the LGUs.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that DSWD-Field Office XII continues to coordinate with concerned LGUs to determine other interventions and services needed by the evacuees. ###