THE CONFLICT HAS DISPLACED several thousand families mostly children. They can be found on roadsides along the highway in the Municipality of Pikit and Aleosan, North Cotabato, Philippines. Government figures put the number of evacuees at 300,000 individuals more than half of whom are children.
Classes has been cancelled in many schools where the fight between government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) took place. The conflict is still ongoing and refugees or dicplaced families could still increase. 53 persons (both from the military, rebel side & civilian) were killed as a result of the conflict, among the 20 civilians killed, a 6-year old girl and 11-year old boy were the youngest among the casualties.
Presently, their urgent necessisites include food, water, camping tents/shelter, slippers and sleeping materials. Non-government organizations and relief agencies have responded by providing some of their needs.
While the immediate necessities such as food has been addressed although still wanting in many areas, the long term effect of the conflict to the children has been left un-attended.
Psychosocial intervention & stress debriefing for those affected by the conflict especially the children should be looked into. Medical necessities of those cramped inside evacuation centers has been observed to be on the rise as some kids are now getting sick.
I was able to go with the group from PBSP and PLDT-SMART Foundation volunteers who conducted Relief Mission for the displaced families in the affected areas. The photos you see were taken in the areas where we went to recently.
Some pet animals were also brought along by the evacuees as they leave their villages in haste. Lucky enough to bring to safer grounds were some cows, goats, pig, ducks and chicken. A pet monkey (below) was also brought by its owner to the evacuation center. They fed him matured coconut because no bananas can be found at the evacuation center.
