Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman:On humanitarian concerns and assistance in Sulu
[Released on March 3, 2013]
With regards to humanitarian assistance provided to the families of those who joined Raja Muda Agbimmudin Kiram in Lahad Datu, the following actions have been undertaken.
Social workers from DSWD Bonggao were added to assist the existing Pantawid Pamilya network of social workers in Simunul, Tandabanak, and Sibutu. In addition, the DSWD is working with the wife of Raja Muda Agbimmudin Kiram to help identify families whose husbands or sons are in Lahad Datu so that food and other assistance can be provided. At present, 31 families are undergoing validation, while the number of families that may require assistance is still being validated in Sibutu.
In addition, food supplies are being shipped to Simunul Island, for families currently there. Families in Sibutu are being served by DSWD staff with goods brought by means of a Philippine Navy vessel.
As DSWD and families work with each other in a spirit of mutual concern and goodwill, we appeal to the media and to the public to respect the wishes of the wife of Raja Muda Agbimmudin Kiram to exclude everyone except social workers from their home and environs.
We will continue to update the public on the progress of these and other humanitarian efforts for families in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.