Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo has given instructions to DSWD-Field Office X to continue to provide appropriate interventions including aftercare services to the nine Lumad children who got sick while staying in makeshift shelters in front of the Malaybalay Provincial Capitol.

The children were brought along by their respective families to the provincial capitol where they evacuated after they were forced to leave their community due to paramilitary conflict earlier last month.

A Lumad wedding was marred by violence after wanted paramilitary leader Alde “Butsoy” Salusad attacked, killing a pregnant woman and wounding several others.

In a report to Sec. Taguiwalo, DSWD-Field Office X Director Nestor Ramos said that upon learning that there were children taken to the provincial hospital,  the assigned social worker at the DSWD Satellite Office in Malaybalay immediately proceeded to the hospital to check on them and assess what kind of assistance they need.

Of the nine children, five underwent medical check-up as outpatients, while four were admitted for further medical intervention.

Dir. Ramos further reported that another child was taken to the hospital on August 27, but died on the same day due to pediatric community acquired pneumonia.

The DSWD-Field Office has already provided burial assistance of P5,000 as well as food and non-food assistance to the bereaved family.

As of press time, the Field Office is already processing the financial assistance for the families of the children who fell ill.

In a statement yesterday, Sec. Taguiwalo has called on all DSWD-Field Offices to closely monitor the situation of families staying in evacuation centers  to ensure that they are given prompt and genuine services for their well-being while at the temporary shelters.

Extend aid to Filipinos in crisis situations caused by incidents of armed conflict

Sec. Taguiwalo said that she wants the DSWD to extend compassion and assistance to victims of armed conflict and paramilitary violence.

She added that in the coming days and weeks, the Department will bring the matter up with other government agencies which are also mandated to provide support to civilians in crisis situations.

“Sadly, incidents of armed conflict and violence take place regularly in our country and many civilians are caught in the crossfire. Many non-government organizations and humanitarian organizations are focused on providing affected civilians the assistance they need so they can recover. The DSWD, as the government’s lead welfare agency, should also do its part by providing what it can within its means and mandate to help Filipinos caught in situations of conflict,” she said.

Sec. Taguiwalo said that the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) should also be supported because the welfare of citizens affected by armed conflict are also discussed in the negotiations. ###