DSWD: Cash aid delay led to Barili stampede

Proposed last minute changes in the venue led to the delay in the distribution of cash assistance for 5,000 beneficiary families in Barili town, some of whom were hurt in a stampede last week.

Somebody shouted “Naay nibuto” (There’s an explosion), setting off a commotion.

Information officer Aireen Lariba of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) said the venue should have been finalized before the day of the distribution.

The Cebu CFI Community Cooperative, selected as the conduit for the cash distribution program by the DSWD and the Land Bank, said the change in venue was announced the day before the day of distribution.

Lariba said the stampede in Barili town was the first time a violent incident occured in the 4Ps program since it started four years ago.

She noted that the delayed distribution of the cash assistance made the crowd restless.

TV footage showed a mixed crowd in a government sports center rushing in panic, with women falling over one another and crying.

The assistance was supposed to be given to pre-qualified beneficiaries of the 4 Ps at the town’s sports complex at the Poblacion at 7 a.m.

The cooperative proposed early that day to transfer the venue in barangay Guibuangan since the gym was too small. Lariba said the beneficiaries were waiting at the sports center since 6 a.m.

Lariba said DSWD didn’t agree to the request, delaying the distribution to 11 a.m. All families received their assistance at 5 p.m.

“Some did not have breakfast. Since they were hungry and getting impatient plus somebody shouted: ‘Naay nibuto (there’s an explosion) from outside the gym, there was a commotion,” Lariba told Cebu Daily News.

A number of beneficiaries were bruised during the commotion. Lariba said no one was seriously injured.

A report of the incident was sent to Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman last Monday.

Lariba said all distribution dates with CFI as conduit will have to be supervised by the division chief and the regional director.

She said no politicians would be allowed in the area of distribution.

Police should be more visible to ensure the safety of the beneficiaries, she said.

Lariba said the prohibition on politicians would prevent a commotion similar to Saturday’s episode.

“Not even the mayor. Before we used to ask for their attendance for transparency but now, we apologize we will no longer allow that. The stampede was the first time it happened under the program,” Lariba said.

Yesterday, DSWD went to Malabuyoc and Ginatilan towns for the distribution of the 4Ps cash aid. With Correspondent Joy Cherry Quito