Call for peace in the Philippines

Peace building in the Philippines [CAFOD]

CAFOD partners are at the forefront of a relief effort to help those caught up in escalating violence in the Philippines

CAFOD is urging for a peaceful resolution in the Philippines following attacks allegedly by groups linked to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and subsequent counter attacks and bombings by government troops.

Villages and towns in Lanao del Norte and other parts of Mindanao have been affected with, so far, more than 20,000 people forced to flee their homes and 38 killed.

Tense situation

Carino Antequisa, CAFOD's staff member in Mindanao, says: “The situation is very tense. People are very scared of the possibility of more attacks from both sides.

“Schools have been taken over by the evacuees and classes suspended. Parents and children have been separated.

"The situation is expected to get worse and I fear many more people will be displaced. We must act quickly to help those in need and find a way towards a peaceful solution.

"This is even more vital following mixed messages from both sides as to whether the peace deal is still possible.“

CAFOD partners Pakigdait and ECOWEB, which work in the affected communities, are distributing rice, mats and other relief supplies to the displaced.

They have set up a registration service to help reunite families and are offering trauma counselling. The organisations are also lobbying for peace talks to get back on track.

Alex Cooney, CAFOD's South East Asia programme manager, says: “CAFOD will be providing support to our partners to carry out relief work and ensure people’s needs are met in the immediate aftermath of the attacks.

“It’s vital for peace-talks to resume with participation at all levels as these events are creating further divisions in the communities in Mindanao. “

For further information and interview requests with Carino Antequisa in Mindanao and Alex Cooney in London please call Debbie Wainwright on 020 7095 5557 or 07785 950 378 or email dwainwright@cafod.org.uk

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