The latest news in Eastern Visayas region
 

Follow samarnews on Twitter

 
 
more news...

Kantar Media commissioned as currency of radio industry in PH

87IB embark youth leadership activities to counter insurgency in Samar

8ID celebrates Women’s Month with 3km long motorcade

Chiz: We want peace for Mindanao not just with MILF

Army official reiterates concerted efforts to curb insurgency in Samar

Leyte mothers become entrepreneurs through store rehab project

Recovering from the consequences of armed conflicts and natural disasters

Palompon town declared insurgency free

 

 

 

 

 

 

maguindanao displaced people
The young and the elderly have no other option but to sleep on the floor of the old public market in Pagalungan, Maguindanao. They left their mats home when they fled. (©ICRC/L. de la Cruz)

Thousands flee fighting in central Mindanao

By ICRC
March 4, 2015

MANILA – Thousands of people have fled their homes as fighting between government security forces and armed groups escalates in Maguindanao province, in central Mindanao.

The number of displaced people is rising.

Entire communities from villages in Kalbugan and Buliok, in Maguindanao, displaced by a range of clashes in early February, fear returning to their homes owing to the risk of explosive devices and the general uncertainty of the situation.

“Civilians are forced to flee out of fear. Displacement, especially when it’s prolonged and repeated, uproots people from their normal lives and causes untold suffering,” said Pascal Mauchle, head of the ICRC’s delegation in the Philippines. These families need food, clean water and access to sanitation, he said.

The ICRC reminds all parties to the fighting to respect human life and dignity. Civilians and civilian property – such as houses, agricultural land, water-supply lines and health-care facilities – must be safeguarded. All injured or sick people – regardless of their religion, ethnic group, gender or political beliefs – must receive medical treatment appropriate to their condition.

Working closely with the Philippine Red Cross, the ICRC delivered relief, such as food and hygiene items, last week to some 20,000 people in North Cotabato and Maguindanao; and began providing drinking water daily in two evacuation centres. With their presence on the ground and close proximity to the affected population, both organizations stand ready to provide further support.

The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization whose mandate is to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. It has had an established presence in the Philippines for over 60 years and a permanent presence in Mindanao since 1986.