MANILA, Aug 14 -- Malacanang said it is prepared to provide temporary shelter to families displaced by ongoing fighting in Mindanao after the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) clashed with government security forces.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government opened four evacuation centers in the area for the families that have been displaced by the fighting.
But because of the increasing number of people affected by the hostilities, she said the government set up additional evacuation centers bringing the total number to 13.
The 13 evacuation centers, located in Pikit, North Cotabato, now house some 1,197 families or 5,985 persons, she said.
The Palace official pegged the total number of displaced families to 2,122 or 10,610 persons. Half of the initial 2,122 have sought refuge to friends and relatives, she said.
With regards to the bombing in Cagayan de Oro City a few weeks ago, Valte said authorities were able to identify the attackers and charges have been filed against them. (PCOO)