DSWD sees logistical, security concerns as factors in delay in cash assistance disbursement

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Tuesday logistical and security concerns were among the factors in the delay in the disbursement of cash assistance to poor households.

DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista said the funds for the Social Amelioration Program  have already been downloaded to local government units, which in turn are in charge of releasing it to the beneficiaries.

"Marami pong maaaring dahilan ng pag-antala ng pamimigay ng ayuda. Marami sa mga benepisyaryo ay sa malalayo at liblib na lugar nakatira," he said in a virtual briefing.

"Isang factor din po ang kakulangan sa workforce ng mga LGUs, kasama na rin diyan 'yung mga security concerns at areas na sinasabi nating mayroon problema sa presensya ng mga NPA," he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier this month threatened to declare martial law to eradicate the New People's Army over claims that they have been blocking the distribution of relief goods, even giving shoot to kill orders.

"Alam ko naman aware kayo doon na may mga sundalo at pulis na nasugatan dahil doon sa bayolenteng ginawa ng NPA habang ang ating sundalo at kapulisan ay tumutulong sa implementasyon ng SAP," said Bautista.

For its part, the DOF said a total of P200.42 billion has been released to the DSWD, as of April 23, for SAP covering some 18 million households.—AOL, GMA News