Press Release
August 19, 2008

KIKO CALLS ON CHR: FOUCUSED ON DISPLACED WOMEN AND CHILDREN, HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN MINDANAO CONFLICT

Following the major escalation of battle in Mindanao between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the military that killed at least 41 people, Senate Majority Leader and Independent senator Kiko Pangilinan today centered on the human rights violations and the displacement of women and children brought by the fighting and called on the Commission on Human Rights to take decisive measures to address the problem.

"Government's order to crush any attempt to disturb peace in Mindanao is a band-aid solution to the problem that has hounded us for decades. Using the same, tired method of counter-attack will not put an end to this deeply-rooted conflict in Mindanao. Besides keeping a firm front against Moro guerrillas, aggressive reforms in Mindanao in terms of social service and economic development must be the long-term solution to this clash that has claimed so many lives and displaced thousands," Kiko said.

"The real face of the GRP-MILF conflict is not just that of the Muslim-Christian division, but of the thousands of displaced women and children--regardless of faith--whose lives are not just put into danger, but whose psychological and emotional well-being are compromised; of children soldiers who are exposed to brutality at such a tender stage in life; of violence that deprives our citizens of their human rights. While government is so focused on its offensive, the moral fiber of our people in Mindanao is on a breakdown. The Commission on Human Rights as one of the lead agencies on this issue, must come in and monitor the human rights situation" Kiko added.

A study commissioned by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) revealed that some 80 percent of internally displaced persons caused by armed conflicts in the Philippines are women and children. In January to August 2008, an estimated 190,000 people were displaced; add to the 160,000 people recently displaced due to the ongoing conflict in Mindanao. There are likewise continuing reports that children had joined the MILF in Maguindanao, Shariff Kabunsuwan and Lanao del Sur. According to a PhilRights estimate in 2005, up to 13 per cent of MILF's 10,000 members were children.

"The government needs to set its priorities straight and immediately address the plight of these civilians. A problem this entrenched must force our leaders to explore new methods of ending the Mindanao conflict. They say that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result each time. If we are to get these children soldiers out of rebellion, if we are to put our children and women to safety, and if we are to find lasting peace in Mindanao, we need to be sincere in our efforts and open-minded in instituting long-term solutions for our people," Kiko ended.

News Latest News Feed