ARMM to conduct relief operation in Mamasapano on heart day

COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will conduct a relief operation and bring free medical and psycho-social services to approximately 1,300 families in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano town, Maguindanao onSaturday, 14 February.The activity, dubbed as Yakapayapaanand Embrace Peace”, is in line with ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman’s call for lasting peace in Mindanao. It is a follow up to the Yapakayapaanand Barefoot Walk for Peace” and Kantapayapaan” held on 04 February at the region’s seat in Cotabato City.Aside from the different ARMM agencies, groups from the religious sector, academe and civil society are also expected to join, along with Rep. Bai Sandra Sema of the First District of Maguindanao and Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman of the Anak Mindanao (AMIN) partylist.Hataman said aside from providing the needed assistance to the affected communities of the January 25 deadly encounter, the event is intended to underscore peace.He had earlier urged lawmakers to continue supporting the ongoing peace process between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), being the most viable solution to the decades of conflict and underdevelopment in parts of Mindanao. We must all encourage and embrace peace, instead of inciting war,” he said.The Yakapayapaan carries the theme Katarungan, hindi gantihan Kapayapaan, hindi digmaan”. The convergence of social services is meant to help ease the hardship and trauma of affected civilians, especially the women and children.More than 6,000 residents in six barangays in the Mamasapano have to flee their homes to escape the gunfight. Thirteen schools have been suspended affecting 6,000 students. Three civilians, including an eight-year old girl, were killed in the encounter while seven others were injured.ARMM’s Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) already extended financial support to the civilian casualties and injured. More than 1,000 relief goods were also provided to the displaced families.