GONZAGA, Cagayan (PIA) - - Fifty-nine families from this municipality received relief goods and financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 2 (DSWD FO2) in support of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the recent encounter between government troops and communist terrorist groups Saturday.

The encounter between troops of 501st Infantry Brigade and alleged communist rebels transpired in Sitio Bagsang in Barangay Santa Clara.

According to DSWD, the IDPs, who are local Agta and Igorot tribe members, were forced out of their homes to seek safe shelter in the barangay gymnasium.

Regional Director Cezario Joel Espejo said that their department has handed out sleeping and hygiene kits, family food packs and P3,000 each to affected families while they are temporarily seeking shelter.

“Nandito po ang pamunuan ng DSWD para mabigyan kayo ng karampatang tulong na nararapat ninyong matanggap, mula sa nag-iisa at lehitimong gobyerno dito sa Pilipinas,” said Espejo in his message.

The regional director also encouraged the IDPs to veer away from further dealings with the communist terrorist groups, as the government is more than capable to impart aid without asking anything in return, unlike the CPP-NPA.

For his part, First Lieutenant Judd Escubio, civil military operations officer of the Philippine Army’s 98th Infantry Battalion, expressed his gratitude for the prompt action of DSWD FO2 in providing living essentials for the IDPs.

The army official gave his assurance that the Philippine Army will continue to support activities of DSWD in serving the people, especially in far-flung areas.

As government troops continue the fight against insurgency in the countryside to bring inclusive and sustainable peace, Espejo said that the DSWD FO2 will carry on its mandate under Executive No. 70 and its whole of nation approach, to provide necessary support to affected persons who are unfortunately caught in the crossfire. (MDCT/ With reports from DSWD/PIA Cagayan)