Philippines - On-going operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) following the tensions between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the BIFF that started in February, have resulted in widespread civilian displacement IOM’s team in Mindanao reports today.

Latest reporting from government sources as of today (17 March 2015) indicate that 123,537 individuals or 24,714 families are displaced.

On March 7, the joint forces of the Philippine Army, Marines and the Philippine National Police began an operation against the BIFF in village of Datu Unsay Maguindanao.  The encounter has affected nearly 100,000 people from 13 municipalities and as a result Governor Ismael Mangudadatu has declared a state of calamity in the province of Maguindanao.

As of March 12, the Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has reported that 94,950 individuals or 19,229 families are displaced. Families are now living in evacuation centres, schools, madrasahs (Islamic educational centers), covered courts, tents and with host relatives and friends. Some 2,288 pregnant women in evacuation centres need medical support, while classes in 42 public elementary and high schools with 18,819 students and 283 teachers are affected. 

Displaced families are constantly exposed to various hazards and risks. A number of them have installed tents under trees, along the roads and nearby military sites with artillery installations.

Besim Ajeti, IOM Head of the IOM Cotabato Office noted that most evacuations sites are not well organized.

“There is a need to disaggregate age, sex, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, to address immediate needs and gaps per sector or group. Referral pathways are yet to be established throughout evacuation sites to prevent and address protection issues, such as gender-based violence (GBV), trafficking in persons and child protection,” Ajeti said.

In addition, he explained, there is a difficulty in tracking Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) due to complex and often quick and multiple movements of families, who transfer from one evacuation site to another. 

The ARMM government ARMM-HEART and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-ARMM have started to distribute food packs and a few plastic sheets (tarpaulins) to IDPs. However, considering the limited funds available to ARMM-HEART and DSWD-ARMM, food supplies from government agencies may run out in less than 20 days, Ajeti warned.

Currently, ARMM is spending approximately PHP 13 million (USD 290,000) per week to support IDPs, mainly on food assistance.

The Rapid Assessment Report of ARMM as well as the latest assessments conducted by IOM together with the ECHO Delegation identified the following key needs: Food, non-food items (NFIs), emergency shelter support, WASH, latrines, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, kitchen utensils, mosquito nets, jerry cans, clothing and safe water (drinking, cooking and general use). In addition, evacuation centre support, displacement tracking, medical personnel and supplies, psychosocial support as well as mechanisms for addressing protection and GBV concerns were recognized as key priorities to continue assisting the affected populations in Maguindanao.

Marco Boasso, IOM Philippines Chief of Mission affirms IOM’s humanitarian commitment to the Philippines. “We look forward to working with the Philippine government in reaching these affected families. Our paramount concern now is providing their essential needs such as NFIs, ensuring their welfare and protection and supporting the government in terms of evacuation site management.”

IOM shall continue monitoring the developments, together with other partners and DSWD-ARMM while continuing seeking support from potential donors in order to address the needs of IDPs.

For further information please contact Marco Boasso, IOM Philippines, Tel: +632 230 1777, Email:mboasso@iom.int. Or Besim Ajeti, IOM Cotabato, Tel: +63 917 636 1359, Email: bajeti@iom.int