DAVAO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-11) has extended assistance to the parents of conjoined twins who were victimized by a person allegedly posing as a DSWD employee and running away with donations worth around PHP50,000 intended for the twins' treatment.
Kristelle May Cagatin,
DSWD-11 information officer, said in an interview they have already filed a police report about the incident.
"Apart from the regular assistance, we also provided legal aid to the family," she added.
Under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, DSWD-11 provided PHP5,000 financial aid as an initial response for the treatment of the newborn twins.
The agency continues to coordinate with the family for other services needed for the hospitalization and operation of the twins, Cagatin said.
DSWD-11 warned the public anew against individuals pretending to be connected with the department and promising financial aid, medical assistance, and other services without the assessment of its social workers.
The agency urged the public to be vigilant in giving out personal information and to not entertain individuals, especially those who communicate through online platforms and mobile phone calls, identifying themselves as officials or employees of the department promising assistance or help.
The DSWD condemned the act and assured the public that it is currently investigating the pilfering of the donations to determine if the concerned individual is an employee of or connected with the agency.
"Individuals seeking medical, burial, transportation, educational assistance, among others, must proceed to the nearest DSWD Field or Satellite Office in their area for proper assessment and assistance to the agency’s AICS program," the DSWD said. (PNA)
