The Department of Social Welfare and Development always strives to help Filipinos through any disaster. This includes human-induced disasters, such as armed conflict. And recently, this proved true as DSWD provided relief for the residents of two barangays in San Jorge, Samar who were affected by armed conflict.
Recently, elements of the Philippine Army and the New People’s Army engaged in a firefight in San Jorge, Samar. Based on police spot reports dated January 12, elements of the 63rd Infantry Battalion encountered an unknown number of NPA fighters near the vicinity of Brgy. Bay-ang. During the encounter, a landmine exploded, wounding 11 soldiers. The encounter lasted 12 hours.
Because of this encounter, 37 families from Bay-ang were forced to evacuate to nearby Brgy. Blanca Aurora. However, since there was no evacuation center in Blanca Aurora, most of these families were transferred to the Municipal Evacuation Center. A few stayed with their relatives in Bay-ang.
A few days later, another encounter occurred at Brgy. Calundan. This resulted to another evacuation, as the families escaped to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.
Based on reports received, a total of 66 families (264 estimated individuals) were affected – 38 families (152 estimated individuals) from Brgy. Bay-ang and 28 families (112 estimated individuals) from Brgy. Calundan.
On January 25, DSWD staff distributed family food packs, mosquito nets and blankets to each of these displaced families. Over-all, DSWD provided relief items worth P58,437.72. Also, DSWD SWADT Leader Carissa Mendoza is currently monitoring the situation of these evacuees to ensure that they are well taken care of.
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