ReliefWeb

HIGHLIGHTS

• Over 350,000 are displaced as the conflict in Marawi City continues. Sustained humanitarian assistance is needed as evacuation centres are filled to capacity and host communities' resources are stretched.

• A global study on protracted internal displacement is launched in light of alarming trends and the need for more effective responses.

• Cyclone vulnerability maps of the Philippines are being developed with a genderbased focus.

• A pre-crisis information mapping was conducted in vulnerable sectors of Metro Manila in support of contingency planning for a major earthquake.

FIGURES

Marawi Conflict

No. of displaced persons 351,168

No. of IDPs staying in evacuation centres 17,389

No. of IDPs staying with family/friends 333,779 (Source: DSWD as of 2 July)

Zamboanga Crisis

No. of IDPs in transitional sites

(Source: Zamboanga City Social Welfare and Development Office as of 27 June)

Over 350,000 displaced in Marawi conflict in need of continued humanitarian assistance

More than a month after fighting erupted between the Government and a non-state armed organization, the Maute Group, armed conflict continues in Marawi City. The violence has had tragic consequences for those affected in Marawi and its surrounding regions.
According the the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as of 29 June, more than 350,000 have been forced to flee and are waiting for the violence to end so they can return home. A majority of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are staying with relatives and friends in surrounding municipalities, while about five per cent are staying in evacuation centres in Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and Lanao del Sur.

Residents still stranded in Marawi City

Hundreds of residents are reportedly still trapped in the city and unable to secure help.
On 25 June, the military declared a unilateral humanitarian ceasefire in Marawi City, allowing residents to celebrate the end of Ramadan and receive relief assistance. Six civilians were rescued, and after the eight-hour ceasefire, gunfire resumed.

Concerns and urgent needs as conflict continues

The Government mobilized swiftly to assist those affected by the conflict, and is leading the humanitarian response. With evacuation centres filled to capacity, urgently needed are clean water supplies and access to improved sanitation facilities. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reports that there is a need for better coordination between camp managers and relief assistance donors, goods distribution and IDP activities inside evacuation centres. Home-based IDPs in Iligan City are asking for kitchen kits, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets and hygiene kits.

Prolonged displacement also threatens food security, health and protection risks with nutrition interventions for the malnourished, medicine and clean water supply being among the most urgent continuing needs. There are reports of upper-respiratory tract infection, acute respiratory illness, skin diseases, hypertension and diarrhoea. Confirmation of several cases of cholera triggered a strengthened health surveillance and response by the Department of Health. There is also a reported need for health personnel in ARMM areas to deliver health services to evacuation centres.

Needs of vulnerable populations

Women and children could potentially be exposed to exploitation and abuse. There have been reports of grave child rights violations such as use and recruitment of children in the fighting. Other protection issues of concern include family unity, absence or incomplete registration of displaced persons, and freedom of movement for those without identification.

Psychosocial care is also needed for children and families who experienced or witnessed violence. An estimated 86,000 public and private school students are struggling to continue their education because of the conflict. According to response cluster reports, there is a need for women- and child-friendly spaces. They also need lighting, bedding, mosquito nets and dignity kits. Elderly IDPs are suffering from lack of sleep and limited access to sanitation facilities.

Planning for return after conflict ends

With parts of Marawi City reportedly in ruins, there is a need to plan for the clearing of debris. There is a high risk of unexploded devices among the ruins. The Swiss Foundation for Mine Action is conducting mine risk education in evacuation centres.
The ARMM Regional Planning and Development Office have prepared a post-conflict recovery and rehabilitation plan for Marawi City which they plan to link with other rehabilitation plans for surrounding regions.

Continued humanitarian assistance needed

Several UN agencies, together with international and national non-governmental organizations are assisting local authorities with relief efforts for those displaced by the conflict. The Mindanao Humanitarian team, composed of UN agencies, international and national non-governmental agencies and civil society organizations, is supporting the Government-led humanitarian response. The Philippine Red Cross with the support of the ICRC is currently the only humanitarian organization that has access in Marawi City. Continued humanitarian assistance is needed as long as the conflict prevents the displaced from returning home in a safe and dignified manner.