DSWD: 29 injured in Zamboanga City education assistance distribution given medical aid

Medical assistance was provided to the 29 people who were injured during the distribution of education assistance in Zamboanga City, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Saturday.

"Twenty nine po 'yung injuries na dinala lahat sa Zamboanga City Medical Center. In-accomodate naman po 'yun. (The 29 people who were injured were all brought to the Zamboanga City Medical Center. They were accommodated.) They were assisted and provided with medical assistance," DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo said in a press briefing.

"Minor lang po ito, 'yung iba po pinauwi na (They had minor injuries. Some were allowed to go home)," he added.

Tulfo said medical teams and authorities had been deployed to the agency's regional offices in case of emergencies.

"We will take care of those injured to bring them to the hospitals for their treatment," he said.

Tulfo said people need not mob DSWD offices as the education aid distribution would take place every Saturday until September 24.

"We have enough funds to go around, to accommodate these people. Bakit po kailangang magsiksikan? 'Yon po ang hindi ko maintindihan (Why do they need to crowd together? That is what I do not understand)," he said.

Tulfo on Saturday apologized to students and their parents and guardians who did not receive educational assistance despite falling in line at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City.

Following Saturday's events, he said the agency would work with the Department of the Interior and Local Government in the distribution of educational assistance through local government units (LGUs). — DVM, GMA News