Mindanao Displacement Dashboard, January 2021
In January 2021, a total number of 1,729 families (8,518 individuals) were displaced in Mindanao due to armed conflict (3,910 individuals), natural disaster (2,858 individuals) and crime and violence (1,390 individuals). Out of the 1,729 families displaced throughout the month, 42.10% (728 families) have returned to their places of origin by the end of January, leaving 57.89% (1,001 families or 5,007 individuals) still displaced by the end of the reporting period. As of the 31st of January, a total number of 52,072 families (236,559 individuals) are currently displaced in Mindanao.
Meanwhile, The Mindanao Virtual Protection Coordination Platform (MVPCP) Special Session was conducted by UNHCR and co-led by Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Mindanao last 12 January 2021 via Zoom meeting. This was attended by various humanitarian organizations and government agencies participating in the regular MVPCP meeting. Said session aims to engage protection actors and government agencies in Mindanao in the implementation of Protection Strategy, institutionalization of its strategic objectives, and identification of possible points of collaboration with the government agencies. Separate sessions and workshops were conducted for BARMM and non-BARMM areas, discussing existing initiatives and planned activities of participating agencies. The morning session for BARMM and continuation of the afternoon session for non-BARMM areas shall be conducted on 26 January 2021.
UNHCR paid a courtesy call to the new Chairperson of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC), Atty. Abdul Rashid Kalim on 14 January 2021. UNHCR provided a brief orientation on its activities related to persons of concern under its mandate, within the BARMM. The Chairperson provided a snapshot of his plans for BHRC as well as current gaps and challenges being faced by the newly established agency. UNHCR committed to continue the conversation and find ways of collaboration.
The MVPCP Special Meeting for BARMM led by MSSD and co-led by UNHCR, completed its breakout discussion on 26 January 2021. During the workshop, government agencies and humanitarian actors reviewed their existing and planned activities which are aligned with the Strategic Objectives. Moreover, the continuation of MVPCP Special Meeting for the non-BARMM areas led by DILG and DSWD in Mindanao was also conducted in the afternoon of the same day. Discussions on the institutionalization of the priority strategic objectives, appropriate mechanisms and approaches, and addressing gaps on some objectives were undertaken during the plenary session. The Special Meeting for BARMM and non-BARMM areas was attended by various humanitarian organizations and government agencies participating in the regular MVPCP meeting.
Majority of the BIFF factions are advancing discussions for potential cooperation with the transitional government. As per reports, more than 900 BIFF members have communicated their willingness to rejoin the MILF. Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim stated that two out of the three BIFF factions are in dialogue with the transitional government, but the other group expressed disavowal on the ongoing dialogue. In the interim, the Joint Peace and Security Team, composed of PNP and Armed Forces personnel, as well as MILF members who have not been decommissioned, will be tasked with the peace and order while negotiations are ongoing.
For more information, please download the January Displacement Dashboard.
