By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Around 80 residents fleeing conflict-stricken Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, are now with relatives in Dumaguete City and Tanjay City, according to Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo-Bacolod over the weekend, Degamo said the families residing in the province visited his office seeking assistance, requesting to allow their relatives to seek refuge due to the ongoing conflict between government forces and the Maute terrorist group.
Degamo said he instructed the Negros Oriental Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) to assist the evacuees by providing them with food packs.
He added, the PSWD has also provided stress debriefing to the elderly and children, who may have been traumatized by the attacks.
The governor noted, the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) completed its schedule of evacuees and confirmed there are no suspected terrorists among them.
He has also urged residents of Negros Oriental to help the residents of Marawi City, adding the Provincial Capitol has begun accepting donations.
Earlier, an estimated 30 evacuating families arrived in Dumaguete City, prompting Mayor Felipe Remollo to order the city’s police force to screen the arriving individuals./WDJ