[UA-48-2005: Massacre of a civilian family by military caused intense fighting and massive displacement in Maimbong, Sulu; UP-52-2005: Social Welfare and Development Department provides protection to survivors of Maimbong massacre]
Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received updated information regarding the alleged inaction by the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Cotabato City, Philippines, to provide appropriate assistance and protection to the three siblings of Padiwan family who survived a massacre in Maimbong, Sulu on 1 February 2005.
It was reported that the three siblings have not received any assistance from the government, which is contrary to the instructions on April 12 made by former DSWD Corazon Soliman to DSWD Regional secretary Bainon G. Karon to ensure protection and assistance to survivor 7-year-old Almujayal Padiwan, 10-year-old Madzrana and the 3-year-old boy (please see UP-52-2005 for details).
The three survivors relatives have been experiencing difficulties in meeting the children’s needs. They are now living in an undisclosed location. Even though their relatives are presently supporting them, their relatives’ meager income is not enough to provide the children’s needs, especially for their schooling. The children were orphaned following the death of their parents on February 1 (please see UA-48-2005).
We request your intervention to pressure the DSWD, in particular its regional office in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Armm) in Cotabato City to take immediate action on the children’s present condition as stipulated in the letter by former DSWD Secretary Soliman. The regional office of DSWD must take immediate steps for the welfare of the three children without delay.
Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
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SAMPLE LETTER
Ms. Lualhati F. Pablo
Officer in Charge
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Batasan Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Tel/Fax: +63 2 931-8138
Tel.: +63 2 931-8101 to 07
Dear Ms. Pablo,
Re: PHILIPPINES: Survivors of Sulu massacre have yet to receive assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development
I am writing to raise my concern regarding the alleged inaction by the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Cotabato City, to provide appropriate assistance and protection to three siblings of the Padiwan family who survived a massacre on 1 February 2005 in Maimbong, Sulu.
I have learned that survivors 7-year-old Almujayal Padiwan, 10-year-old Madzrana and the 3-year old boy have not yet received any assistance despite the instruction given by former DSWD secretary Corazon Soliman on April 12. I am aware Ms. Soliman, in her letter to the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), has given instruction to Mr. Bainon Karon, DSWD regional secretary, to take appropriate action on the children's plight.
I am deeply saddened to learn that despite this instruction, the DSWD regional secretary has allegedly not acted on this matter. I was informed that the three children, who are now living with their relatives in an undisclosed location, have been experiencing difficulties. Although their relatives are providing their basic needs, their meager income is unable to support the children, especially in their schooling.
I urge your office to take appropriate action on this matter. Owing to the previous instruction by the DSWD, I believe the department has an obligation to ensure the children's welfare and to meet their basic needs.
I trust that you will take action in this case.
Respectfully yours,
________________
PLEASE SEND COPIES TO:
1. Hon. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
President, Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila
NCR 1005
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +632 2929 3968
Email: pgma@compass.com.ph or opnet@ops.gov.ph
2. Commissioner Purificacion Quisumbing
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman, Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Tel. No. +63 2 928-5655/926-6188
Fax: +63 2 929-0102
Email: drpvq@chr.gov.ph
3. Secretary Raul Gonzales
Department of Justice
DOJ Bldg., Padre Faura
1004 Manila
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +6325211614
Email: sechbp@infocom.com.ph
4. Dr. Nicolas Alipui
Resident representative
United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF)
31/F Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza
Ayala Ave. cor. Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave.
Makati City, Metro Manila
PHILIPPINES
Telephone: +63 2 901-0173
Fax: +63 2 901-0195
Email: manila@unicef.org
