Priest brings psychosocial help to Mindanao conflict zone

A Catholic priest has initiated a "psychosocial intervention" program in areas affected by the ongoing conflict in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao

Jun 05, 2017

By Mark Saludes
A Catholic priest has initiated a "psychosocial intervention" program in areas affected by the ongoing conflict in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao 

"We are here to assist the government in providing services to communities affected by the war," said Claretian Father Arnold Abelardo.

The priest brought a team of medical specialists to the communities affected by the conflict to conduct "psychological first aid."

"Somebody has to do the assessment if these people have suffered shock and if they need more attention," said Father Abelardo.

More than 200,000 people have already fled to various evacuation sites from Marawi City where clashes between security forces and militant gunmen continue.

The fighting erupted on May 23 when fighters of the Maute group, which has claimed to have links with the so-called Islamic State, tried to occupy the city.

Father Abelardo said his team will prioritize the "psychosocial assessment" of medical professionals in the area and train them how to give "psychological first aid."

Annh Rachelle Protestante, a psychosocial analyst, said the program includes activities like storytelling to assess the victims' "level of distress."

"[The result of the assessment] will be used to find the right intervention and aid that can be delivered to distressed people," said Protestante.

Father Abelardo said "spirituality" is integrated in the psychosocial evaluation because "we want to access the refugees' understanding of the wholeness of the person."

He said the program is not exclusive for Christians. "We are not imposing any belief or religion," he said, adding that the services are given to both Muslims and Christians.

The priest said he was inspired to conduct the medical mission after learning of the abduction of Father Teresito Soganub, vicar general of Marawi City, on May 23.

"The mission of the church should continue," said Father Abelardo. "The sacrifices of Father [Soganub] and other hostages would be useless if we will not act," he said.

Father Abelardo said that while church leaders appeal for the safety of the abducted priest, "fear should not hinder us from bringing the Good News of hope and healing."

As of June 3, the government's Department of Social Welfare and Development has recorded 242,711 individuals who have been displaced by the conflict in the region.--ucanews.com