DSWD chief calls for compassion, release of abducted workers

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Soliman called for compassion in the spirit of Ramadhan in urging suspected Abu Sayyaf militants to free three DSWD workers abducted last Thursday in Sulu.

“We are praying earnestly in this Holy Month of Ramadhan for compassion. Our colleagues from DSWD-ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) are only doing their duty to help the poor people of Talipao– their brothers and sisters in Islam,” Soliman said in a statement.

The DSWD expressed sadness over the abduction of their three workers who were sent to conduct a survey among poor families for its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) program. They were also coordinating for the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) program of the government.

Police said the victims were abducted about 2 p.m. Thursday while on their way to validate family-beneficiaries to be included in the conditional cash transfer 4Ps program and they were supposed to work on the PAMANA  projects in the community at Barangay Upper Sinumaan, Talipao town. 

Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita, Sulu police provincial director, said names of the victims have been kept for security reasons but assured efforts have been coordinated for their safe release, who are all Muslims and natives of the province.

Soliman said they are closely coordinating with ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan and Talipao Mayor Sitti Raya Tulawie to ensure appropriate action and safe release of the victims.

Soliman also assured support for the victims’ affected families.