UN Philippines chief visits internally displaced persons in Maguindanao
Gustavo Gonzalez speaks to internally displaced persons in three evacuation centers in BARMM
United Nations (UN) Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez visited three evacuation centers in Mamasapano, Maguindanao Province to learn firsthand about the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) there.
Gonzalez visited the Dabenayan Evacuation Center (Flooded Area), the Libutan Evacuation Center, and the Market Evacuation Center in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Salibu.
The IDPs reported that they are tired of lingering conflict and desire sustained peace. However, they are unable to return because of safety and security concerns.
They have tried to resume farming in the conflict areas, but end up leaving again when conflict erupts. Ninety percent of them make their living from farming and fishing.
In the evacuation areas, they are solely dependent on government but rations and supplies are not always sustained. Thus, they are requesting financial assistance and training for a sustainable livelihood (weaving, baking, sewing).
Education is difficult for the IDPs' children because of unreliable and sometimes non-existent mobile signal.
The UN will launch a project in the SPMS Box in Maguindanao to help IDPs. The SPMS Box is the area near Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao composed of the four towns of Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan (formerly known as Pagatin), Mamasapano, and Datu Salibo. It's known as a stronghold of armed groups operating in the area.
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