Continuing Displacement in Maguindanao (AFP vs BIFF) Issue No. 01
There has been massive and recurrent displacement affecting the interior areas of SPMS box (Salibu, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak) as a result of armed clashes and military operations against a DAESH-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). The SPMS box has been the center of conflict between the government troops and the BIFF for several years. The seemingly permanent hostilities have caused repeated and massive displacement affecting the same communities and populations.
Based on the report provided by the provincial office of the Ministry of Social Services of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, there are 6,565 families (32,825 persons) forcibly displaced from their home as of 13 March 2019. The number of displaced persons continued to rise as military operations continue and the BIFF is anticipated to retaliate. The displaced families have sought refuge in neighboring communities and are distributed in designated evacuation sites, such as schools, madrasahs, barangay hall and other community structures. Others are in host families who share dwellings with their relatives.
