Together with the Philippine Red Cross, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is stepping up its response. “A significant number of civilians have been injured or killed, while an unknown but substantial number of houses have been burnt. This is of clear concern for us and will make it all the harder for normal life to resume,” said Pascal Mauchle, the head of the ICRC’s delegation in the Philippines.
“We have reiterated, in our dialogue with both sides involved in the fighting, the obligation to take the necessary precautions to spare civilians and their property.”
Clashes between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga have displaced at least 80,000 people according to government statistics, about half of whom have sought temporary shelter in the city’s open-air sports stadium having left their belongings behind them when they fled.
Of the 166 people wounded since the clashes began, 67 are civilians according to official figures. ICRC and Philippine Red Cross personnel are working to ensure the people sheltering in the city stadium have access to drinking water, food, medical attention and other vital aid. Household essentials, such as tarpaulins for protection against the elements, kitchen utensils, jerrycans and personal hygiene products were distributed last night.
Moreover, hot meals are being prepared every day for people in the stadium. “Throughout this emergency, Philippine Red Cross volunteers and staff have shown extraordinary levels of motivation and dedication to the people we are helping, even in the face of danger,” added Mr Mauchle.
In addition, ICRC delegates have visited 49 people detained by the authorities in Zamboanga to monitor their treatment and conditions. “This is a very positive development, which reflects our longstanding role in the Philippines working with the detaining authorities to help ensure conditions are in keeping with international standards,” said Mr Mauchle. Delegates also registered detainees in order to follow up on their situation during future visits.
“We hope a positive settlement will soon be found to the situation in Zamboanga, to enable civilians to safely return to their homes and start rebuilding their lives. We stand ready to act as a neutral intermediary to resolve matters of humanitarian concern, if requested to do so. In the meantime, the ICRC remains committed to providing essential aid to people in need,” said Mr Mauchle.