270,000 now displaced in Philippines fighting
IRIN:
MANILA, 25 August 2008 (IRIN) - UN agencies have appealed for peace in the southern Philippines, where fighting between government forces and Muslim separatist rebels has escalated over the past two weeks and the number displaced is now over 270,000.
In a 22 August statement, the UN Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) said civilian lives were at risk as a result of fighting between the army and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which has been attacking, and trying to take control of, civilian communities in the southern island of Mindanao.
"It is with great concern that we witness the deteriorating humanitarian situation in various parts of Mindanao as a result of the recent upsurge in conflict," the IASC stated. "Many civilians have lost their lives and many more are at risk."
"The agencies of the IASC, who come together to coordinate relief efforts on behalf of the international community in times of crisis, appeal for calm and protection of all civilians," it said. ...
The National Disaster Coordinating Council in its latest report of 25 August said the number of internally displaced people had risen to 272,867. While the authorities have managed to regain control of the affected communities and push out the rebels, most of the displaced are too scared to return home, fearing they might get caught in the crossfire if fighting resumes. READ IT ALL
