DSWD-ARMM sends aid to 5,000 displaced persons

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao (PNA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has sent social workers to address the needs of some 5,000 persons who fled their homes after two warring clans clashed in the borders of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.

Acting DSWD-ARMM Secretary Pombaen Karon Kader said the provincial social welfare office has already sent relief assistance to the affected families, many of whom are fisherfolks in the village of Datu Blah Sinsuat town.

“We are attending to their needs,” Kader said, adding that her office has already set aside funds for man-made and natural calamities that often “visit” Maguindanao province.

Kader said her office has devised an emergency action plan that may be implemented during emergencies.

The displaced families in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Moro National Liberation Front (MILF-MNLF) conflict are temporarily housed in nearby villages and village halls hoping to return home in the soonest possible time.

Kader said the protagonists are actually related by blood and affinity but they differ in areas to be controlled.

Involved in recurring armed conflict are Commander Randy Karon, leader of the MNLF forces in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, and Jing Caludtiag, chief of MILF’s 104th base command in Datu Blah Sinsuat town in Maguindanao.

The affected village is Barangay Laguitan in Datu Blah which Karon’s men and Caludtiag’s men also operate.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Ernesto Aradanas, 603rd Brigade commander, said soldiers of the 38th Infantry Battalion (IB) have been deployed in the boundary of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat to separate the warring armed groups.

“We have been negotiating with them but their differences continue,” Aradanas said.

Aradanas said both sides have already signed a peace covenant last year but both parties accused each other of violating the peace pact.

He assured that enough forces have been in the affected areas and hoping the displaced families could return soon.

“Our peacekeeping forces will stay there to maintain law and order,” Aradanas said, adding that the coastal villages are only accessible by watercraft.

Source: MB