VP Leni starts relief operations; DSWD offices on red alert status
Vice President Ma. Leonor "Leni" Robredo on Tuesday night ordered her office to start relief operations for the families affected by armed conflict in Marawi City.
"We call on all sectors of society, who can extend assistance, to respond as soon as possible," the former housing chief said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its field offices have been placed on red alert status to immediately determine and address the needs of civilians caught in the crossfire in Marawi City.
Vice President Robredo, who has been monitoring the situation in Marawi City, asked the public not to be afraid, telling them to stand their ground.
She expressed confidence that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will soon resolve the situation.
"They have assured us that they are in control and that the conflict will be suppressed at the soonest possible time," Robredo said. She asked for prayers for the AFP soldiers now fighting in Marawi.
"We also pray for our fellow Filipinos caught in the cross fire. We expect that this incident will soon end," she said.
"Let us not be afraid. Let us be steadfast. Let us be assured that peace will prevail," the Vice President added.
From the DSWD, Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, expressed concern for the situation and said: "Our concerned DSWD field offices are on red alert status, while the Central Office is monitoring (the situation in) Marawi and movement of evacuees and affected civilians."
The DSWD chief said the Department is ready to provide relief assistance to the people of Marawi and to assist the evacuees in coordination with the DSWD in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
"The quick response team, social welfare action team and development team, provincial, municipal, city links, and personnel in our field office in Region 12 are on call 24/7," Taguiwalo said.
"We now have a better grasp of the situation in Marawi. Help is being prepared and given to evacuees," she also said.
Taguiwalo expressed the government's commitment in ensuring that the people's well-being, life and rights are upheld and protected amid the current situation.
Fighting between government forces and members of the Maute terror group erupted Tuesday in Marawi City, prompting President Duterte to declare a 60-day martial law in Mindanao.