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APD | In Mindanao, military operations to continue until threat is diminished as thousands remain in shelters

World

2019-03-26 12:50

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA, Mar. 26 (APD) – Various local and provincial authorities have been leading the distribution of food, relief items and medical assistance to displaced persons in the southern island of Mindanao since the three simultaneous law enforcement operations.

It will be recalled the Armed Forces of the Philippines launched its offensives against non-state armed groups in Sulu, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao under the newly-formed entity Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) since the first half of March this year.

In a statement released by the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) late Monday night, it was learned renewed armed conflict between the AFP and a faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) last March 9 in the four towns of Maguindanao sent 35,200 persons to evacuation centers and close relatives.

In Shariff Aguak town, some public school classes have been suspended while other school buildings have been utilized as evacuation centers or temporary shelters.  Displaced farmers and fishermen have also been severely affected by the prevailing drought where Central Mindanao is the most affected region.  Though the military has not allowed internally-displaced persons (IDPs) to return home due to the on-going operations, a number of them have been able to check on their crops and farm animals.

In Lanao del Sur, armed encounters have taken place in the southern portion of Lake Lanao between the Armed Forces and the remaining members of the Maute Group on March 11 and 14 which resulted in the evacuation of more 8,900 persons.  Most of the displaced persons are sheltered in schools, madrasahs (Muslim schools) or with their close relatives.

The United Nations agency also reported the engagement between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) in Sulu following the bombing of the Jolo Cathedral last January 2019.  An increase in the armed encounters last month led to the displacement of more than 5,000 people in the five towns of Sulu province.

According the figures from the BARMM Ministry of Social Services there have been 49,300 displaced persons as of March 21,2019 though figures may change once assessments have been accomplished.

The Philippine Red Cross, humanitarian organizations with local and provincial authorities have distributed kitchen sets, mats and tarpaulins in addition to food, relief items and medical assistance.  UNICEF reported their support to local health units with emergency health kits.

The same report underscored the need for sustained food assistance, potable water, and relief items including soap, sleeping mats and mosquito nets.  With the uncertainty when law enforcement operations will end, it will be difficult for the internally-displaced persons to continue their education, farming and other livelihood activities.

Military authorities have been quoted saying operations will continue as the threat remains and the armed groups remain active in the so-called “target areas.”  

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)