Demonstrating its heightened commitment to enhancing social protection for all Bangsamoro people, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), with its provincial office in Tawi-Tawi, facilitated the return of 381 Tawi-Tawians from Sabah.
The first batch of Returning Filipinos from Sabah (ReFS) arrived at Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, on Jan. 16, while the second batch arrived on Jan. 18, boarding the M/V Trisha Kristen from Zamboanga City. The boat carried 159 and 222 ReFS, respectively.
Upon arrival, the ReFS received assistance and accommodations at the Bongai Port Terminal, courtesy of the Bangsamoro Port Management Authority (BPMA), to cater their meals before undergoing assessment and profiling by MSSD Officers.
Leeshabel Adil, the Officer-in-Charge of the Municipal Social Welfare Office in Bongao, stated, “They will also receive food packs upon returning to their families, such as rice, canned goods, and others.”
Following clearance from MSSD, the ReFS are permitted to reunite with their families. However, those from other municipalities will be temporarily housed at the isolation center of the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi until their scheduled travel to their respective cities.
The ReFS also underwent psychosocial first aid to assess their mental health status as they might have encountered traumatic experiences or extreme stress. Counseling was also provided by MSSD officers under the supervision of Adil as ReFS are considered persons in complicated situations.
For ReFS whose families are yet found, the MSSD Bongao Unit Office will retain custody, initiating contact tracing efforts to facilitate their reunion with their families.
The MSSD remains dedicated to ensuring the safe return of the ReFS as well as their proper and active integration into society, upholding the BARMM Government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all Bangsamoro.