The War Displaced in Marawi of the Philippines 🇵🇭

01/12/18 04:53

In the middle of 2017, I travelled to Iligan in the southern Philippines to follow up on humanitarian projects aimed at assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Marawi City. The displacement was a result of the Marawi siege, a devastating conflict that erupted in May 2017 when armed militants affiliated with ISIS seized control of parts of the city. The ensuing battle between the Philippine military and the extremist groups lasted for five months, leading to widespread destruction and forcing over 360,000 residents to flee their homes.

The siege had profound humanitarian consequences, as entire neighbourhoods in Marawi were reduced to rubble, and those who escaped faced immense challenges in rebuilding their lives. Most of the displaced sought refuge in Iligan City and other neighbouring areas, straining the already limited resources of host communities.

My visit focused on assessing the evolving needs of the displaced populations, particularly in key areas such as:
• Protection Needs: Women and girls were among the most vulnerable groups, facing heightened risks of gender-based violence and exploitation. Ensuring their safety and providing psychosocial support were crucial components of the humanitarian response. Efforts were made to set up safe spaces, offer legal assistance, and provide livelihood opportunities to help them regain some level of independence.
• Shelter: With many IDPs residing in overcrowded evacuation centres or makeshift shelters, the need for adequate and durable housing solutions was a major priority. The humanitarian response aimed at improving living conditions and finding long-term housing options.
• Food Security: Many displaced families lost their sources of income and had limited access to food. Humanitarian partners were working on food distribution programmes and initiatives to help families grow their own food or secure new means of livelihood.
• Health Services: The displacement created significant public health challenges, with overcrowding in shelters leading to outbreaks of communicable diseases. Humanitarian efforts focused on strengthening access to healthcare services, including maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, and mental health support.
• WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene): Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation facilities was critical in preventing the spread of diseases. The response included building latrines, setting up water filtration systems, and conducting hygiene awareness campaigns to promote better practices among the displaced communities.
• Livelihoods: Helping the displaced regain financial independence through skills training and cash assistance programmes was essential in supporting their return to normalcy.
Despite the extensive destruction in Marawi, the resilience of the displaced communities was truly inspiring. Many people were eager to rebuild their lives, and humanitarian organisations worked tirelessly to provide them with the support they needed to do so.
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The War Displaced in Marawi of the Philippines 🇵🇭