Attachments
Protracted armed conflicts between government forces and non-state armed groups in the Philippines continue to take a toll on communities, particularly in Mindanao. Despite the decline in the number of clashes in the past year, humanitarian consequences such as displacement, damage or destruction of civilian properties and disruption of livelihoods persist.
Many people living in areas affected by conflict are impoverished. Thousands of displaced people, especially in underserved or hard-to-reach areas, struggle with food insecurity and lack reliable access to essential services. Eight years on, many people displaced by the 2017 conflict in Marawi City remain in temporary shelters with inadequate water and sanitary facilities.
Since World War II, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the Philippines has strived to fulfil its mandate of protecting and assisting people who have been affected by armed conflicts and other violence. As the guardian of international humanitarian law (IHL), we engage in dialogue with parties to the conflict to ensure that civilians and those who are no longer fighting are protected from harm.
Guided by our mandate, in 2024 we continued to promote IHL among weapons bearers, reminding them through confidential and bilateral interactions of their obligations to uphold the law that governs wars. We also engaged with authorities, religious and academic groups and journalists to enhance their knowledge of IHL and principled humanitarian action.
Working in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), we reached people in remote areas to understand their needs and provide them with tools and other resources to recover from the effects of armed conflict. We donated medical supplies to health facilities and trained first responders to help them provide adequate aid during conflicts and other crises. We also helped communities improve their access to clean water and sanitary facilities to prevent diseases.
We have not forgotten those who remain in need of our support, such as the families of people who went missing during the Marawi conflict, whom we accompany in their journey of seeking answers from the authorities. We also assist detainees in congested facilities and urge the authorities to improve their treatment and living conditions following internationally recognized minimum standards.
Keeping people affected by conflict always at the centre of our humanitarian action, and standing by our neutrality, impartiality and independence, we will continue to work with partners and other influential parties to respond in a wholistic and effective way adapted to the growing climate risks in the Philippines.