120,000 flee fresh militant violence in Philippines: UN
More than 120,000 people have escaped from their homes in the southern Philippines since government forces and militants started fighting in January, the UN says.
Eight weeks of clashes has so far affected an estimated 13 municipalities in Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces, prompting over 120,000 people to take shelter in schools, public buildings and madrasas, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesman, Babar Baloch, said on Friday.
“The estimated number of displaced could be higher, since it does not include people hosted by relatives and friends,” Baloch said, adding that the numbers are expected to grow “as the fighting extends to the local communities… already hosting many of the displaced.”
UNHCR expressed particular concern for the safety of civilians, including women and children, who are caught in the crossfire.
“UNHCR appeals to all parties of the conflict to ensure the safety of civilians while the law and order operation is underway… Women and children could potentially be exposed to exploitation and abuse,” Baloch warned.
Many people caught in the conflict are finding themselves without income or community protection, and with very limited access to shelter, food, medicine and water, the UN spokesman added.
Since January, the Philippines military has been engaged in fierce clashes with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a rebel group fighting for an independent homeland in the south.
The fighting has taken place in poor farming areas on Mindanao island, where the group has for decades fought for independence.
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