ARMM governor extends aid to blast victims in Sulu

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-ARMM extends relief assistance to victims of the recent bomb blast in Jolo and to the displaced families in the armed conflicts in Kalingalan Caluang both towns in the province of Sulu.

According to DSWD-ARMM Secretary Ruby Sahali, the Regional Governor will be handing over close to P500 thousand initial amount to finance food assistance and support other necessary aids to the victims.

The bomb explosion in the Sulu Consumers Cooperative store last March 27, 2006 has killed 5 people and injured 22 others. Regional Governor Ampatuan has already given orders to Philippine National Police-ARMM Director PS/Supt. Akmad Mamalinta to conduct a thorough and expedient investigation of the blast and possibly bring the culprit behind bars of justice.

Secretary Sahali said that she has immediately directed the provincial social welfare officer to provide necessary assistance to the victims upon receiving information on the blast from the latter.

“A few hours after the incident, the DSWD-ARMM through its provincial office in Sulu was able to give food assistance to injured victims and families of those who died in the explosion."

Meanwhile, around 1,000 families were displaced in the municipality of Kalingalan Caluaang when an armed conflict ensued between feuding local politicians.

Sporadic armed confrontations between the warring parties have been ongoing for the past two weeks. Among the heavily affected areas are the barangays of Karungdong, Kanlagay and Pitogo.

Regional Governor Ampatuan, however, is making all necessary ways to pacify and peacefully settle the conflict.

The Regional Reconciliation and Unification Commission (RRUC) and the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) were also mobilized to complement the pacification efforts on the ground.

“We want this problem be settled peacefully because it affects our innocent civilians. Besides, this run counter to our efforts to unify our leaders in the region," Governor Ampatuan said.

The DSWD proceeded to the area on Friday to carry out relief operation to affected families after receiving security clearance from authorities. No less than Secretary Sahali headed the relief operation.

“We are doubling our efforts to prove to our constituents that the regional government is sincere in its pursuit to help them overcome the negative impacts brought about by distressing incidents such as these two,"said Sahali.

The department is likewise closely working with non-government and civic organizations to enhance the delivery of basic and urgent social service. (BPI-ARMM)