THE Ministry of Social Service and Development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-Barmm) has provided relief assistance to families displaced by the recent clashes between government troops and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao.

Lawyer Raisa Jajurie, MSSD minister, said Monday, March 22, that some 2,781 families were displaced as government troops and BIFF clashed around 5 a.m. Thursday, March 18, in the town of Datu Saudi Ampatan, Maguindanao.

Jajurie that she and Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Edris Sindatu distributed Saturday, March 20, some 1,300 food packs, 700 sleeping kits, and 1,500 dignity kits.

"During the displacement, we have provided other programs para masigurado na ligtas ang mga bata, mga nanay, at kababaihan, katulad ng psycho-social interventions for their mental health," Jajurie said.

"Ang panawagan namin sa ibang ahensya at ministries na maghanda, dahil kung tumagal man itong kaguluhan ay handa tayo na mag-abot ng assistance sa mga apektadong pamilya," she said.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Children's Fund and Health Organization for Mindanao provided 1,994 hygiene kits, 2,000 water containers and purification tablets, 91 recreation kits, and 1,000 plastic tarpaulins.

Sindatu has assured that safety of the displaced families is their priority. (SunStar Zamboanga)