SPECIAL INTERVENTION. Col. Consolito Yecla, commander of Task Force Davao (2nd from left) and Commissioner Norman Baloro of the Office of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (wearing white), pose with the Internally Displaced Persons from Marawi siege who were provided special intervention in Davao City on Wednesday (Oct. 2, 2019). The IDPs have completed the initial screening and social investigation by assessing their general health and well-being after staying in this city for more than two years after the liberation of Marawi from Islamic State-linked militants (Contributed photo)
DAVAO CITY -- Some 207 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Marawi City have undergone a "special intervention program" from the city government here on Wednesday.
Col. Consolito Yecla, commander of Task Force Davao (TFD), said the IDPs completed the initial screening and social investigation by assessing their general health and well-being after staying in this city for more than two years after the liberation of Marawi from Islamic State-affiliated militants two years ago.
“While waiting for their turn for the interview and profiling by social workers from City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO), they were given free medical and dental consultations with free medicines and vitamins,” Yecla said.
Hundreds of Maranao families fled and sought refuge in this city after a deadly firefight erupted in May 23, 2017 in Marawi City between the government forces and the Islamist extremists.
Through a directive from City Mayor Sara Duterte, the TFD together with the CSSDO and City Health Office (CHO) implemented the intervention dubbed “Kalilintad 911 Program" to keep the IDPs from the influence of terrorist groups.
“IDPs especially the orphans and widows are vulnerable to terrorists’ exploitation. Intervention program is necessary to prevent the development of home-grown terrorists or supporters in Davao City,” Yecla pointed out.
Commissioner Norman Baloro of the Office of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) stressed the need to look closely into the situation of the IDPs.
Baloro said the IDPs will be first recommended to undergo the “Balik Probinsya” program that will entitle them to transportation allowance from the city government.
In case return to their respective provinces is not feasible, they will be offered ways to make a living under the city's Sustainable Livelihood Program.
Qualified orphans of the war may also be placed under Educational Assistance Program or other programs may include Assistance in Crisis Situation if necessary, and inclusion in the DSWD’s “Listahan.”
"Kalilintad" is a Maranao term for peace. (PNA)
