Displacement due to Clan Feud in Midsayap, Cotabato, Issue no. 01, 2019
On 01 May, around 211 families (approximately 1,055 persons) were forced to flee their homes in Barangays Kapimpilan and Tumbras, in the municipality of Midsayap, Cotabtato province due to a firefight between two parties. The incident was rooted in a clan feud (rido) between these parties, both of which are allegedly led by commanders of armed groups. The displaced population took refuge in the center sitio (sub-village) of Barangay Tumbras. The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Midsayap distributed food packs to the IDPs during their stay at the evacuation site. The displaced families were able to return to their habitual residences after two or three days.
On 23 May, another firefight took place involving the same parties. This resulted in the displacement of around 273 families (approximately 1,365 persons) from the same barangays –Tumbras and Kapimpilan, in Midsayap municipality. They sought refuge in the center sitios of Barangay Tumbras and Barangay Kapimpilan.
The IDPs expressed the need for food assistance, as well as non-food items such as kitchen utensils, solar lantern, tarpaulins, blankets, and mats. A number of children reportedly have fever and colds, while some elderly persons are experiencing attacks of high blood pressure. Available medical support from the host barangay and municipality is currently very limited.
While waiting for the authorities to declare their area of origin as safe for return, the IDPs appealed to the local authorities and humanitarian organizations for immediate and appropriate intervention, especially in response to the needs of vulnerable groups.
