GOV'T AID. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) troops provide family food packs to residents of Barangays Santa Rita and Bagong Silang in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur on Tuesday (March 12, 2024). A total of PHP357,000 worth of assistance was given to those displaced by the recent clash between government troops and New People's Army rebels. (Photo courtesy of DSWD Bicol)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development 5 (DSWD-Bicol) distributed PHP357,000 worth of assistance to families affected by the recent clash between government troops and the New People's Army (NPA) in Camarines Sur.
In an interview on Wednesday, Carl James Cabarles, DSWD disaster risk reduction management division information officer, said a total of 145 families or 725 individuals from Barangays Santa Rita and Bagong Silang in Del Gallego town were provided with family food packs (FFPs) and hygiene kits.
"This is the second tranche of assistance given by DSWD-Bicol. The first was given last March 4, hours after the incident. We provided family food packs and hygiene kits worth PHP68,000 and the second was yesterday (March 12) as additional relief assistance, including FFPs and essential non-food relief items such as sleeping kits and family kits worth of PHP291,209," he said.
Based on DSWD-Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) data, at least 19 families remain displaced and still seeking refuge among their relatives in the neighboring barangays.
In a statement, DSWD-Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio reassured the displaced and affected families that the agency, as directed by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, will continue to provide for their needs and support.
In a separate interview, Maj. Frank Roldan, 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief, said the 9ID prioritized the safety of residents before, during or after the conduct of operation.
"Ensuring the safety of civilians and residents is our top priority during operations, and all human rights are respected," Roldan said.
The clash between government troops and communist terrorist groups belonging to the Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) took place on March 4.
"They are the group who are responsible for the killing of five Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members in Barangay Mapulot, Tagkawayan, Quezon last Sept. 1, 2023," Roldan said.
After the encounter, soldiers recovered two M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, ammunition, magazines, terrorist items and personal equipment from the clash site.
Roldan said they conducted Civil Military Operations engagement in the affected barangays in coordination with the local government unit of Del Gallego. (PNA)
