ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office IX deployed members of their Quick Response Team to Jolo, Sulu last Friday, August 28, 2020 to extend financial and relief assistance to the victims of the recent twin bombing incident.

The team were escorted by members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide security for the conduct of the activity. As per assessment by the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) thru its Health Emergency Management Staff, there were 89 recorded casualties: 14 deaths, 49 admitted in hospitals and 26 out-patient comprised of innocent civilians and military troops, respectively.

As of September 01, 2020, the DSWD FO IX thru its Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) along with key staff from DSWD BARMM and Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) of Jolo facilitated the distribution of 57 family food packs (FFPs) and 57 hygiene kits to the victims amounting to P127, 899.45. Also in attendance was DSWD Assistant Secretary Jade Jamolod who led the distribution of cash assistance to the said victims under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Funds of the DSWD: 9 families received P10, 000.00 each for burial assistance while 48 families received P5, 000.00 each for medical assistance, all amounting to P330,000.00 cash assistance.

Meanwhile, the Jolo Municipal Government enforced temporary lockdown for the City of Jolo. Concerned authorities are continuously assessing the recent bombing incident. Citizens were advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities in their community to authorities as bomb threats continuously circulate within the province.

Being the lead of the response pillar of the government, the DSWD will continuously extend its assistance to disaster incident victims amidst the COVID 19 pandemic. ###