The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office V – Bicol Region provided immediate relief assistance worth PHP 40,000.00 to nine families displaced by an armed encounter in Barangay Libertad, Cawayan, Masbate on April 18, 2025 (Good Friday).

According to circulating reports on social media, a firefight erupted around 5:45 AM on April 17, 2025, between the 2nd Infantry “Second to None” Battalion of the Philippine Army against an estimated 12 members of the suspected Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the said barangay. The exchange of gunfire persisted for approximately 15 minutes.

In response to the incident, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) of Cawayan, in coordination with the Barangay Local Government Unit, ordered the evacuation of residents in the affected area to prevent further harm. Nine families comprising 36 individuals from the affected barangay were displaced and are currently seeking refuge in evacuation centers and with their relatives in the safest nearby barangay.

Upon the directive of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, through Regional Director Norman Laurio, the Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD), together with the Masbate Provincial SWAD Team, conducted a rapid assessment and facilitated the delivery of aid to the affected families.

Each family received two family food packs and non-food items, including hygiene and sleeping kits. In addition, the team also provided psychosocial support to help the displaced individuals cope with the trauma brought by the incident.

DSWD Bicol continues to closely monitor the situation in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Cawayan to ensure the well-being and safety of the affected families.

Meanwhile, additional uniformed personnel have been deployed and security measures, including roadblocks, have been established to safeguard the community.