5 govt agencies tapped to aid war-torn Mindanao provinces

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo on Tuesday ordered five government agencies to provide assistance to the thousands of Mindanao residents affected by the recent attacks of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said the President has ordered Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral and Health Secretary Francisco Duque to personally oversee the intervention measures in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte provinces.

The said provinces bore witness to one of the worst attacks by the MILF on civilians since they entered into a ceasefire agreement with the government.

Dureza said President Arroyo has likewise directed the education and public works departments to rebuild structures destroyed by the fighting between government troops and the secessionist rebels.

President Arroyo also directed the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) under Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro to trigger the release of funds needed for the relief and rehabilitation of affected families.

NDCC figures show about 9,350 people had fled their homes when rampaging MILF forces attacked villages in the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and Sarangani Monday.

Dureza said the President also thanked non-government organizations, particularly the Philippine National Red Cross, for extending humanitarian assistance to the conflict-affected areas.

“(President Arroyo) also appealed to them to continue providing humanitarian support to the affected residents,” Dureza said. - GMANews.TV