24th Mindanao Virtual Protection Coordination Platform (MVPCP) Meeting on non-BARMM
Dear Partners,
In non-BARMM areas, approximately 172,415 individuals remain displaced as of 06 May 2021. This is an increase from the recorded 170,055 displaced persons in the last reporting period due the recent flooding, armed conflict and crime and violence which occurred within the previous month.
DSWD Regional Offices and City Social Welfare Offices are continuously monitoring the number of displaced families temporarily seeking shelter in camps and evacuation centers and their pressing needs. In Daliao, Maasim Municipality, Saragani Province, 195 families (approximately 831 individuals) belonging to B’laan Tribe (Indigenous Peoples) remain displaced. Said displacement happened last 2008 (13 years) due to armed conflict between AFP and alleged MILF members. Issues raised include safety and security concerns, recurring flash floods, substandard shelters made up of light materials, health and sanitation concerns, non- designation of camp manager, insufficient food and nutrition, insufficient number of latrines and open defecation, poor hygiene practices, and non-practice COVID-19 protocols. Land issues were also raised given that they do not own the land where their houses are built (no permanent relocation sites) and hence, local integration is impossible and they cannot return to their places of origin given the insecurity in their original residences. It is recommended to include the displaced families to the relocation site in Maasim. These displaced families were already referred to MSWO for them to be included in the relocation site, and DSWD XII will conduct assessment on the displaced families in Maasim Municipality. For more information, please download the 24th MVPCP on non-BARMM.
UNHCR Philippines is working closely with key government agencies in providing response activities and services to the families forcibly displaced, ensuring that protection is at the center of all humanitarian responses. UNHCR remains steadfast in staying and delivering, especially in these unprecedented times.
