MANILA, June 5 — A family of volunteers has been helping internally displaced persons (IDPs) fleeing the besieged Marawi City by providing them food and water.

Nine days since clashes ensued between government troops and local terror group Maute in Marawi City, the Sulog family continuously distributed food packs to Maranaw evacuees.

Many travelling IDPs who happen to pass by the home-based store owned by the Sulog family received free food packs as a simple handwritten sign containing the words “Free Food” drew attention.

Amer Riga, one of the family members, said they started offering bread and ice water to evacuees who vacated their homes in the strife-ridden city.

However, Amer’s Facebook video showing this act of assistance sparked a flood of donations from other Filipinos. Amer said he did not expect that his video will become viral online and has, in turn, inspired the outpour of donations.

Amer said more than 30 people have provided cash donations, some of which were sent from other countries.

The Sulog Family said they were pleased to extend a helping hand to the victims of the Marawi strife.

All the family members, even the young ones, pooled their relief efforts especially in packing the goods. Their neighbors also pitched in to ensure a smooth delivery of food packs to the IDPs.

Each food pack contains rice, canned goods, coffee, and sugar, among others.

At present, Amer and his family conducts visit to the villages in Baloi, Lanao del Norte to provide assistance to the IDPs who currently reside with their relatives or friends.(Emmanuel Taghoy-PIA/Filane Cervantes-PNA)