The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Field Office XII (DSWD-FO XII) and the Kidapawan City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) are now jointly working out for the release of the 82 individuals, composed of 30 women and 52 men, who were involved in the Kidapawan rally.

DSWD-FO XII reported that according to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of North Cotabato, kind-hearted individuals have contributed to raise the amount needed for the bail of all those who were taken to the provincial jail.  Each had to post P12,500 bail, while each pregnant woman and senior citizens had to post P6,000 bail.

Yesterday, a pregnant woman and a senior citizen were among the 10 rallyists who were released.

This morning, nine rallyists were released including a 5-month pregnant woman.

As of presstime, DSWD and Kidapawan City social workers are still at the provincial jail waiting for the release order of the remaining rallyists.

Priority for release today are two more pregnant women and two senior citizens.

DSWD-FO XII shall provide follow-through services to the rallyists who have been released.  They shall be given one Pabaon Pack each consisting of 12-kilos of rice, six pieces canned goods, and six packs of noodles.

The pregnant women shall also be assisted during their childbirth in hospitals. For the senior citizens, the FO shall determine if they are beneficiaries of the Social Pension Program.  If they are not yet beneficiaries of the Social Pension, the FO shall coordinate with the concerned LGUs for processing of their registration.

Also, the FO shall conduct assessment of their livelihood skills to determine the type of livelihood assistance to be provided to them.###