Avert potential 'worst humanitarian crisis' in Mindanao - Gordon

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today called on the Arroyo administration to avert the potential escalation of the protracted conflict in Mindanao into a full-blown humanitarian crisis.

Gordon issued the call in the wake of reports that the estimated 500,000 internally-displaced persons (IDPs) might tremendously increase with the anticipated widening monsoon flooding and a possible full-scale war at the end of the Ramadan.

"An approximately half a million people have already fled due to the protracted conflict in Mindanao. This might exacerbate into a precarious humanitarian situation unless concerned parties return to the peace negotiating table and end the fighting," he said.

"Let us therefore heed this call for decisive and swift action before we see more people not only getting wounded and killed but also displaced," he added, mindful of IOs' warning about the dire consequences to the people of an escalated armed conflict.

Earlier on, international organizations (IOs) have called the attention of the government that the protracted conflict in Mindanao might escalate into what they call as "the worst humanitarian crisis" in the area in five years.

With eight more typhoons expected to hit the country for the rest of this year, IOs have expressed concern that the volume of evacuees might jack up and further deplete the scarce government resources to address the issue of IDPs in conflict areas in Mindanao.

About P80.69 million has so far been provided by the national government and various non-governmental and international organizations in conflict-stricken areas in Mindanao, particularly in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato.

Both Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato were placed under state of calamity, of which the Task Force Humanitarian Assistance to Conflict-affected Mindanao Provinces (CAMP) has been closely monitoring, assisting and maintaining.

Gordon, chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross, said while it is commendable that the government has readied a rehabilitation plan once peace comes to Mindanao, it should ensure the protection and security of thousands of IDPs who are now crowding makeshift evacuation camps.

"I appeal to the government, particularly to CAMP chairman and Health Secretary Francisco Duque, to look into the pitiful conditions of these evacuation camps, and comply with the requirements of international humanitarian law," he said.