IDPPAR no. 18, AFP vs. BIFF (IS-inspired) armed conflict in Maguindanao, Issue no. 02
On 09 November 2019, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched mortar shelling against an Islamic State-sympathizing faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Sitio Guguko, Tukanalipao, Mamasapano municipality in the province of Maguindanao. This led to armed hostilities between the two parties, triggering displacement of the local population and an undetermined number of casualties, including a civilian who was injured by stray bullets.
On 22 November 2019, government forces stationed at Barangay Meta, in the municipality of Datu Unsay, Maguindanao province were reportedly attacked by BIFF members. This resulted in continued military operations against the BIFF in Barangay Pusao, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao, which escalated and spread to the nearby municipalities of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak, and Talayan, all in Maguindanao.
CURRENT SITUATION
A total of 7,883 families (39,186individuals) have been displaced in five municipalities within and outside the SPSM box, i.e. Sharif Saydona Mustapha, Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano and Talayan. As of this report, the IDPs are staying in 20 evacuation sites in different locations, while others sought refuge with their relatives.
IDPs are in need of humanitarian assistance, as they have experienced repeated displacement during this year with limited government assistance. Some are also experiencing health issues. Children in affected communities have stopped going to school while the military operations are ongoing.
Livelihood has also been affected, with some livestock (20 cows and 3 goats, according to IDPs interviewed) reportedly hit by stray bullets and killed. Other pressing needs identified are drinking water, hygiene and sanitation facilities, basic non-food items for daily use, and tarpaulins for temporary shelter that can withstand harsh weather. IDPs further expressed their appeal to the parties to the conflict to spare civilian properties, and to identify lasting solutions to the fighting in order to resolve the recurring cycle of displacement.
