The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) condemns in the strongest possible terms the extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence against social workers.
Two MSSD social workers – Niezel Ladjauddin Asakil, 4Ps OIC Provincial Link for Tawi-Tawi, and Kevin Pon, 4Ps Municipal Link – were wounded after being shot along the highway of Barangay Lapid-Lapid, Bongao on 12 October 2020.
The incident occurred when Niezel and Kevin, and other MSSD workers were on their way home after the 5-day 4Ps payout in Panglima Sugala.
MSSD management is ensuring that the wounded workers receive proper medical treatment.
Acts of lawlessness and violence directed against social workers are unacceptable, outrageous, and counterproductive to the pursuit of peace and justice in the Bangsamoro Region.
We are calling on the security sector, and barangay and municipal officials to solve the case the soonest possible time. Those who are responsible for this crime must be brought to justice.
We are firmly determined, despite this senseless act of terror, to continue the delivery of social protection and assistance to marginalized and vulnerable sectors in the Bangsamoro Region.
