SENATOR Robin Padilla extended financial assistance to families affected by a massive fire in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on February 3 that reportedly destroyed around 1,000 houses.
In a Facebook post on Monday, February 9, Padilla said he immediately coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure that aid would reach the victims.
The senator also said he attempted to personally visit the area over the weekend but was unable to secure transportation.
“Sinubukan ko makapunta ng Tawi-Tawi noong Sabado at Linggo. Fully booked ang mga flight, wala rin mahiraman ng eroplano. Sinubukan ko makisakay sa Air Force gamit naman ng OP sa relief operation,” Padilla said.
Padilla disclosed that the financial assistance came from his and his wife Mariel Padilla’s personal funds, although he did not specify the amount.
“Wala ako choice kundi ipadala na lang sa consultant ko na si Engineer Kerwin Hamjani ang nakayanan ko sa sarili naming pera ni Mariel na magpadala ng financial support. In shaa Allah ay makatulong sa ating mga kapatid na nasunugan,” he added.
Authorities earlier said the fire displaced hundreds of families and caused extensive damage to residential areas in Bongao. Local officials continue to assess the full extent of the losses.
