Department of Social Welfare and Development representatives from Manila are arriving in Bacolod to provide further assistance for the victims of the fire that hit Barangay 19 in Bacolod City, Undersecretary Anthony Golez said yesterday.

The DSWD will provide the families P10,000 each for each fatality, and shelter assistance to those who lost their homes, he said.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said he welcomes everyone who wants to extend help to the fire victims. He is only appealing that they respect the authorities or established institutions like the Department of Social Services and Development.

Leonardia said he was informed that somebody had told the donors not to give their donations to the DSSD since it is identified with him. This should not be tainted with politics since the donations are needed by the people, he said.

He said he discussed with Golez and Barangay Captain Jocelyn Uychiat of Brgy. 19 the need for them to create a central body or committee that will receive the donations and divide them equally to the victims. He added that it should not be selective.

Association of Chief Executives of Negros Occidental president, and Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante, said maybe it was God’s will that some of the money they intended to give the victims of Typhoons Ondoy and Peping have not been donated yet so they could give it to the fire victims of Brgy. 19. 

Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella said Philippine boxing champ Manny Pacquiao will donate some of the money he wins in his bout against Miguel Cotto for the victims. He also thanked Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco for lending beds to the fire victims of Brgy. 19.

Meanwhile, Acting Bacolod police director Senior Supt. Celestino Guara said he has deployed 10 policemen in the evacuation center at the Mabini Elementary School until the situation normalizes.

Green Alert is mobilizing relief assistance for the fire victims like old clothes, rice or canned goods through Killer Bee. Those who want to donate may contact Junjun Mojica through 09194017412.*CGS

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