While the ceasefire between the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Philippine government is still holding, the sporadic armed conflict between government troops and rebel forces in Western Mindanao has led to the displacement of thousands of civilians.
This development has been a major cause of concern for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which reported that a large number of people, mostly civilians, have been wounded during the escalation of armed hostilities.
“Most of the displaced are sheltering in tents, improvised wood and tarpaulin structures or bunkhouses in several areas in Western Mindanao,” said Yann Fridez, ICRC head of sub-delegation for Mindanao, during an ICRC briefing for members of the media.
Fridez added the ICRC is doing its best to improve hygiene and sanitation conditions, as well as access to potable water and health care in the areas of conflict.
In the meantime, Wolde Gabriel Saugeron, ICRC communication coordinator, reported that health facilities in Western Mindanao have been given medical supplies to help cope with the growing number of injured residents.
“Financial support is being channelled to the neediest in exchange for work or to help them restart income-generating activities,” he added.
According to Saugeron, the main goal of ICRC is to help those who have lost everything to “regain control of their lives.”
He pointed out that communities with high levels of poverty are having a difficult time coping up with the added burden of armed conflict and lack of security.
For his part, Fridez urged the parties involved in the armed conflict to exercise caution in order to minimize the damage wrought on civilian communities.
“We also wish to spare the civilian structures such as hospitals, schools and houses, and facilities that are essential for their daily lives,” he added.
Meanwhile, Allison Lopez, ICRC communications officer, said that their organization, with the help of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), has distributed essential household items to thousands of displaced residents in Western Mindanao.
“We have also distributed medical supplies including drugs and anti-tetanus vaccines to enhance the capacity of rural health units in these areas to treat sick and wounded people,” he added.
