The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assisted the two program implementers who were attacked by gunmen in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

AICS is the provision of integrated services to individuals and families in difficult situations. These services include financial, material, and medical assistance, among others, based on the assessment of social workers.

According to reports,  Niezel Ladjauddin Asakil,  Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) OIC Provincial Link in Tawi-Tawi, and Kevin Pon,  4Ps Municipal Link, were attacked by gunmen along the highway of Barangay Lapid-Lapid while on their way home following a 5-day payout in Panglima Sugala on October 12, 2020. The two field workers were wounded.

DSWD recognizes the efforts of field workers to deliver the necessary assistance to 4Ps and other program beneficiaries despite the many threats to their health and safety,  thus, the Department vows to institute better mechanisms and to strengthen coordination with the government of BARMM to ensure their protection and to prevent the repeat of similar incidents. ###