Humanitarian emergency in Mindanao refugee camps
Manila (AsiaNews) – Tension is high in the region of Mindanao, despite the resumption of dialogue with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) announced on July 24 last by President Arroyo. The clashes between the Army and Abu Sayyaf terrorists that began in July are threatening to freeze peace talks with the MILF. The spokesman of the group accuses the government and armed forces of using the offensive as a pretext to attack the areas controlled by the Moro rebels.
In this context, the civilian plight continues to worsen. The government so far committed to the resolution of armed conflict can not cope with the humanitarian emergency in the refugee camps. Over 2000 families have been living in miserable conditions for months. Most recently, the scarcity of food aid and the total lack of hygiene has caused the deaths of five people.
The Archbishop of Cotabato, Msgr. Quevedo criticizing the civil authorities states that "the government should provide the necessary aid such as food, drinking water and medical care until conditions allow refugees to return to their villages”.
The prelate adds that "the population continues to live in fear." He calls on the government to cooperate with the Church and its associations to help the civilians and to resolve peacefully the conflict before the situation further deteriorates.
According to representatives of local government to the last food rations for refugees were distributed in early August. Furthermore, the humanitarian aid of the World Food Program, which should overcome the shortcomings of the government, are not sufficient to feed the more than 12 thousand refugees.
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