ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), with the help of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the government of Hungary, extended PHP37.5 million in financial aid to victims of the 2019 bombings in Sulu and Zamboanga City.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian received on Wednesday PHP35,850,000 and PHP1,672,691 from the PRC and the government of Hungary, respectively.
The donations were distributed on the same day to the intended recipients.
The families of the two slain civilians during the bombing in Zamboanga City each received PHP350,000, and the four wounded individuals received PHP245,000 each from the PRC.
Eighty-four out of the 135 victims of the Sulu bombing incident also received financial assistance from PRC.
Aside from the cash aid given by the PRC, the government of Hungary extended an additional PHP15,600 each for the families of those who perished and PHP11,000 each for the wounded victims.
Gatchalian said the rest of the victims are being validated and located by DSWD 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).
The Sulu bombing incident occurred at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral on Jan. 27, 2019, affecting 112 civilians and 23 soldiers, followed by the Jan. 30, 2019 bombing at a mosque in Barangay Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City, leaving two dead and four others wounded.
Gatchalian also distributed family food packs and hygiene kits to the bombing victims and families of the casualties.
He assured Mayor John Dalipe that the DSWD would continue to help and provide programs and services to the residents of Zamboanga City.
"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," Gatchalian said. (PNA)
