CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (July 16) — Hundreds of displaced indigenous women and children from Sitio Camansi, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental, are asking for government support specially on their health needs.
The residents fled their homes last May 26 when the armed conflict between the government forces and the communist insurgents broke off. They are temporarily housed at Vicente de Lara park..
The group has asked the provincial government of Misamis Oriental for the much needed medical support, but until now, the support is wanting.
Many women and children at the shelter are experiencing cough and colds, fever, skin allergies, and many have been infected with chickenpox , but until now, the government has yet to hear their plight.
A non-government organization recently conducted a medical mission, which was supported by various groups, women, children and senior citizens were provided pre-natal, vitamins, medicines and check-up.
Sariza Acosta of Tagtalabon Organization revealed “past few days, almost everyday we admit a person to the hospital, especially children and senior citizens. But we are still happy because they are already released from the hospital.”
The provincial government distributed foodstuff.
On July 9, the group, according to Acosta, sent a letter to the Provincial Health Office, Misamis Oriental, about the condition of of the internally displaced individuals but they have yet to receive an official response.
She said the Provincial Gov’t, only provided food for their daily consumption needs, but it is not enough. Sometimes they are given medicines, but what they need a proper check-up.
On July 9, Acosta wrote the Provincial Health Office of Misamis Oriental on behalf of the evacuees, but still they haven’t receive any response.
“The Provincial Gov’t, only give us food for our daily needs, but it is not enough to us. Sometimes they give us medicines, but what we need is, a proper check-up for the evacuees.”
The residents are until now hoping that government will hear their plea for help.-Hensell Prince Hebaya/NewsLine.ph