APD | Philippines armed clashes displace some 50000 people

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA, Mar.24 (APD) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross reported clashes between forces of the Philippine government and a number of non-state armed groups over the last few weeks in the southern island of Mindanao. The fightings resulted in the displacement of about 50,000 people in Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao provinces.

In a statement released late Friday, the ICRC said the clashes also resulted in casualties and injuries among parties to the conflict.  

“The ICRC teams from different offices on the ground have been assessing the humanitarian needs on the ground, and have started to provide direct response, working in coordination with other agencies, notably, the Philippine Red Cross,” the statement said.

In Lanao del Sur along, some 9,000 people were reported displaced since last week due to fighting between the Philippine military and the Islamic State Ranao also known as Maute group.  The displaced persons are reported in nearby evacuation centers while some sought shelter with their relatives.

Over in Bukidnon province, the ICRC reported the displacement of some180 families since the last week of February due to clashes in their villages and now in dire need for sleeping facilities and access to water and sanitation services.

In Maguindanao province, the ICRC quoted the government-run Department of Social Welfare and Development which reported the fighting raged between government troops and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF),which now runs what was once known as the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). 

Some 39,000 people fled to safer confines. The ICRC reported they have extended medicines and medical supplies to government health facilities in the area.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)