DSWD-12 aids Mamasapano victims

KORONADAL CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office 12 has provided assistance to the families affected by the Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash. Norhata Benito, head of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Section of DSWD 12, said a day after the Mamasapano clash that killed 44 elite Special Action Force (SAF) troopers of the Philippine National Police, Moro rebels and civilians, her officeimmediately distributed food assistance to the internally displace persons (IDPs). As of now the Social Welfare Department has given some 3,600 food packs consisting of noodles, canned goods, rice, and coffee to the evacuees. Those who benefitted from the assistance were from Barangay Tukanalipao and other neighboring villages identified by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO)in Mamasapano. Sixty-six of them are from various evacuation enters, while the rest are staying with their families, and friends,” Benito told DXOM FM Koronadal Friday. Families of civilians killed and injured during the clash were also provided with monetary aid. Our financial assistance is P25,000 for the families of the dead and P10,000 and medical assistance for the injured,” Benito said. Orphaned of Police Senior Inspector Ryan Pabalinas who hails from Banga, South Cotabato and Police Officer 2 Roger Cordero of Isulan Sultan Kudarat, two of the fallen 44 will also be given assistance. DSWD 12 will give financial aid to the family of Cordero, while the case Pabalinas who is now a resident of Zamboanga City was referred to DSWD Region IX. As of now we are still validating at least 19 other families of those killed, we will reach out and give financial assistance to them,” Benito said.