Displaced people in Maguindanao meet their basic needs

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Displaced people in Maguindanao meet their basic needs
Around 15,000 families in evacuation centers in 6 Maguindanao towns receive food and supplies from ICRC

This is a press release from the International Committee of the Red Cross

MANILA, Philippines – More than 63,000 people displaced by the month-long fighting between government security forces and armed groups in Maguindanao province in March 2015 received relief assistance distributed by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the International Committe of the Red Cross (ICRC). 

From April 28 to May 20, PRC volunteers and ICRC staff reached almost 15,000 families living in evacuation centers or sheltered by host families and relatives in the municipalities of Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Mamasapano, Sharif Aguak, and Sharif Saydona Mustapha. 

“While many families have since returned to their homes, thousands remain scattered in evacuation centres. We supplemented the support given by the authorities because the prolonged displacement has had an impact on the people’s livelihoods, putting a strain on their ability to meet their basic needs,” said Sabine Gralla, head of the ICRC office in Cotabato.

She added: “In addition, majority of them rely on farming, which has been adversely affected by the dry spell.” 

Each family received 25 kilograms of rice, 12 tins of sardines, 5 litres of oil, 1 liter of soy sauce, 1 kilogram of sugar, half a kilogram of salt, 300 grams of coffee and a hygiene kit. These should support a household of 6 persons for one month. 

“This is a big help for all evacuees, especially those of us who have returned to our village. Our fields and crops have since dried up, so we have to start from scratch. It will take some time before we can replant,” Mariam Talusan Sulaiman of Malangog village in Datu Unsay said.

Over 60 PRC volunteers and ICRC staff were involved, using a new electronic registration system that reduced the registration time for beneficiaries and accelerated the distribution of relief. Community leaders also played a major role in validating the identities of those who were unable to present identification documents. 

Meanwhile, the ICRC continues to provide displaced persons with 110,000 liters of potable water daily from 49 tanks installed in 27 evacuation sites. 

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. Rappler.com

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