Maguindanao fire victims get relief aid from Maguindanao, ARMM governments

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Relief and rehabilitation efforts continue for the Oct. 15 fire victims of coastline village Taviran in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

From the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao down to the Maguindanao provincial office, rice and non-food items continue to pour in, as of Sunday (Oct. 20), according to the affected villagers.

Fisherman Dakoma Kasi, 39, said it could have been more difficult for him to meet his family’s day-to-day needs without the government’s help.

Apart from the initial distribution of relief items by the Department of Social Welfare and Development led by DSWD Regional Secretary Haroun Al-Rashid Lucman, the Office of the Provincial Governor on Friday gave 111 sacks of rice, blankets, bed-mats, mosquito nets, thermos and used clothing.

Lynette Estandarte, Maguindanao chief budget officer, said a sack of rice for each family would be enough for a month’s supply.

“The humanitarian assistance is not politicking,” said Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu in response to some critics that the dole-outs had something to do with the Oct. 28 village polls.

“They are my constituents in need of help, and it’s our obligation to respond to an emergency,” Mangudadatu said.

Lucman, who is also ARMM vice governor, said the DSWD has started the process of setting aside P100,000 worth of housing unit to replace more than 100 houses destroyed by the fire.

“Most of their belongings went up in smoke, and the victims have nothing and no one to lean on, and this is where the government must come in to alleviate their plight,” said Lucman, who quietly celebrated his birthday with his family on Saturday.

Janice Desamito-Musali, ARMM’s Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources head, said a BFAR team has been verifying the identities of affected fisherfolk of Taviran “so we could provide the necessary assistance, especially those who lost their means of livelihood in the fire.”