The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed financial assistance donated by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Government of Hungary, on Wednesday, March 22, to the victims of the 2019 Sulu and Zamboanga City bombing incidents.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian received the donations from the PRC amounting to ₱35,850,000.00 and ₱1,672,691.00 from the Government of Hungary during the ceremonial turnover held at the Sumaja Hall, SACC, Patikul, Sulu, and at the DSWD Field Office in Zamboanga City on the same day. The donations were then immediately distributed to the intended beneficiaries.

The respective families of the two slain civilians during the Zamboanga City bombing received ₱350,000.00 each, and the four wounded individuals received ₱245,000.00 each from the PRC.

Meanwhile, 84 out of the 135 victims of the Sulu bombing incident also received financial assistance from PRC. Families of the slain individuals received ₱350,000.00 each while the wounded victims received ₱245,000.00 each. Aside from the cash aid given by PRC, an additional ₱15,600 each for the families of those who perished, and ₱11,000 each for the wounded victims were extended by the Government of Hungary. The rest of the victims are currently being validated and located by DSWD Field Office IX.

“Sa mga pamilya ng biktima, una, humihingi kami ng paumanhin na medyo tumagal yung processing ng  inyong assistance. Pero ngayong araw na ito ay dala-dala na po namin yung what is due to you” (To the families of the victims, first, we apologize that the processing of your assistance took a while. But today, we will provide what is due to you), Secretary Gatchalian said.

Along with the financial assistance that was given through cheques and through the Land Bank account of the beneficiaries, the DSWD also distributed family food packs and hygiene kits to the bombing-affected individuals and families of the casualties.

The Secretary also vowed to continue to help and provide programs and services to the residents of Zamboanga City.

“We will make sure, Mayor, na the entire city of Zamboanga… we will service and cater to all your needs whether it’s disaster, relief operations, or development programs… Makakaasa kayo that DSWD will be beside you all the way (We’ll make sure, Mayor, that the entire city of Zamboanga… we will service and cater to all your needs, whether it’s disaster, relief operations, or development programs…  We assure you that DSWD will be beside you all the way), Secretary Gatchalian said.

The Sulu bombing incident happened on January 27, 2019 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel affecting 112 civilians and 23 members of the military troops, followed by the January 30, 2019 bombing at a mosque in Barangay Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City leaving four wounded individuals and two dead civilians. ###