Tuesday, August 21, 2007 No increase of displaced persons in Basilan, Sulu By Bong Garcia
THE National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported no increase in the number of displaced persons despite the critical situation in Basilan province due to the ongoing military offensive against al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf bandits.
Also, the NDCC said the situation in the nearby Sulu province remains very volatile, as the military continues to track down the Abu Sayyaf bandits' positions in the towns of Indanan, Parang, and Maimbung.
NDCC records showed there are 4,566 families composed of 23,959 people from 40 barangays now staying in five evacuation centers in Basilan and Sulu provinces.
Of the total number of displaced persons, 1,791 families with 11,887 individuals are from Basilan province. They came from the 15 affected barangays of the province.
Of the 15 affected barangays, seven are from Al-Barka town, two in Tipo-Tipo, four in Sumisip, and and two in Ungkaya Pukan municipalities.
In Sulu, there are 2,775 families with 12,072 people from 25 barangays staying in five evacuation centers established in the province.
Of the 25 affected barangays in Sulu, nine are in the town of Indanan, 10 in Parang, and six in Maimbung municipalities.
The NDCC said a total of 3,164 families with 18,668 individuals have been served during relief distribution.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will conduct assessment Monday in all affected areas in Basilan while relief operations will continue tomorrow in the two provinces.
All hospitals in Basilan province have been placed on white alert since the July 10 incident in the town of Al-Barka.
White alert means all of the hospital personnel are always on call.
