IOM Newsletter FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRANTS AND SOCIETY Issue no. 4.1 - June 2009 Situation Update. As of late June 2009, ten months after the onset of the current complex situation in Mindanao, the number of IDP families, whether camp-based or host family-based, in all of Mindanao has increased by about ten percent (from 66,506 families to 73,722 families), and by nearly 40% in the three provinces where IOM is presently working (from 44,141 families to 61,661 families in total in the provinces of Maguindanao, North and ). The most substantial increase per location is Maguindanao Province, where figures indicate more than double the displacement from early September 2008 to late June 2009. North Cotabato displacement has decreased by 58% and Sultan Kudarat decreased by 16%. While figures are not entirely dependable concerning the number of camp- like displacement sites, IOM estimates that the number of IDP sites (excluding host families) has increased markedly as well, as detailed on the chart insert page. Additionally, there is some evidence that the hosting families are themselves increasingly in need of humanitarian assistance to meet the sustained requirements of caring for relatives alongside their own families. The proliferation of IDP sites and host communities underscores the highly mobile nature of this displacement and the need facilitated by IOM MVPS team members. December 2008. for equal mobility and flexibility in the humanitarian response.

Displacement Figures in Areas of IOM Programme Activity: Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat Provinces

IDP Families Number of IDP Province TOTAL Camps Camp-based Hosted*

52,714 families Maguindanao 36,896 15,818 (approximately 263,570 131 individuals) 7,297 families North Cotabato 5,773 1,524 (approximately 36,485 32 individuals) 1,650 families Sultan Kudarat 1,650 -- (approximately 8,250 8 individuals) 61,661 families TOTALS 44,319 17,342 (approximately 308,305 171 individuals) * IOM notes that approximately 18,268 families in three Provinces, in 90 separate host communities, are hosting the home-based IDPs (16,744 families in Maguindanao, and 1,524 families in North Cotabato, and none enumerated in Sultan Kudarat). Source: DSWD and IOM figures as of 20 June 2009. Figures validated and adjusted for certain locations by IOM IDP teams.

Data on vulnerable populations returning to their original communities continues to be inconclusive because many of the areas, particularly in Maguindanao and North Cotabato Provinces, are sporadically subject to the effect of hostilities and renewed displacement. These hostilities appear to have clearly increased in May and June. This has led an increase in IDP populations within existing IDP sites and to the establishment of new IDP sites. Moreover, these armed actions have necessarily resulted in tightened restrictions for humanitarian agency access to IDP sites, including restrictions based on UN security clearances at certain times for certain locations (not broadly across Mindanao), and further constraints due to the need to increase coordination on movements in and around IDP sites with the military. However, IOM views that some sites in North Cotabato Province appear relatively stable and ready for staged and managed return, as noted in the North Cotabato highlight section in this newsletter. (more)

IOM humanitarian activities in Mindanao are funded by the European Commission through its Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO) IOM • OIM U P D A T E O N H U M A N I T A R I A N A S S I S T A N C E

The protracted and complex nature of the displacement on Cotabato cannot extend the same support to them as they can to Mindanao continues to create a challenging environment for IDPs from North Cotabato, given the limited resources and taking effective humanitarian assistance. Due to recent armed actions, matters of jurisdiction into consideration. In a recent (late June) IDP populations and the number of IDP sites continue to increase field visit to one such IDP site, established in May, IOM found over while local government units have reported significant depletion 60 families at a site with one usable latrine. At a neighboring IDP in their resources to provide for affected populations. In addition, site, one man reported that two of his grandchildren had died at some humanitarian actors are reaching the closing stages of their this site, likely due to diseases directly attributable to the very emergency response programs. As a result Mindanao is faced with poor public health conditions. While this is a single anecdotal case a marked waning of humanitarian assistance readily available on history, IOM’s field teams confirm that such tragedies are far from the ground. The most urgent gaps, identified in all three provinces rare. IOM again notes a key point: the location referenced was reported here (Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat), recently established, in May, due to the circulation of the displaced continue to fall under the Food, Camp Coordination and Camp from IDP sites, towards or to their homes, and with diversion or Management (including Non Food Items, NFI, support), Emergency return to create a new IDP site. This is typical of the fluid nature of Shelter and WASH clusters. These gaps continue to increase in the displacement, requiring equally fluid and mobile assessment, correlation with the rising IDP population and with secondary coordination and response. displacement of that population. Sustained support to the IDPs in the coming months remains uncertain as resources of humanitarian In North Cotabato, IOM also sees the prospect for staged, monitored actors continue to dwindle. As noted, the heightening of armed and supported return to some communities, in particular to the areas clashes in some areas has, at the same time, made regular access of (specific areas in the north of this municipality), , to some sites more difficult. (specific locations) and . IOM’s mobile strategy allows for the IOM IDP support teams – termed Mobile and Vulnerable IOM notes that while the displacement is largely the result of the Population Support (MVPS) teams – to track and support IDPs as hostilities between the main political protagonists – the Armed they return to such areas, enabling key humanitarian support to Forces of the (AFP) and rogue elements of the Moro help make this transition more possible and sustainable. Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – some of the displacement in certain areas is due to inter-clan hostilities. In this regard IOM Sultan Kudarat feels it is important to distinguish between those displaced due to The number of IDP sites decreased with the return of IDPs in three clan rivalries and those displaced as a direct effect of the political affected municipalities. However, eight new evacuation centers hostilities. While there should be no distinction in the receipt of have been established in as a result of recent armed clashes core humanitarian assistance, as all are displaced and in need, the between MILF and MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) forces. vitality of the political-military conflict and its humanitarian effect A significant source of conflict in this province is a long standing is best judged by only the number of persons displaced due to family feud between two opposing commanders from the MILF that conflict. Presently, the numbers provided do not make a clear and the MNLF; as such, this aspect of the conflict and much of distinction between these two causes; they are not disaggregated the displacement in this province can be seen as a clan warfare in this document. issue. As noted earlier, the humanitarian effects on families and individuals are, none the less, the same or clearly comparable to Maguindanao those displaced due to armed conflict between the main political Maguindanao continues to be the most affected province, as the protagonists (MILF elements and AFP). table and separately-included chart figures indicate. Concurrent with the direct humanitarian consequences of the displacement in obvious cluster sectors – food, non-food items, shelter, water and sanitation – there are troubling reports of a possible increase in protection-related transgressions in the province. For example, abductions and executions of suspected members of MILF rogue groups among the IDP population particularly in Datu Piang and Mamasapano have been reported, though not confirmed. It is also of import to note that displacement in some predominantly Muslim municipalities in Maguindanao is triggered by Rido – armed clashes between clans in the community – rather than by encounters between MILF elements and the AFP.

North Cotabato The increase in IDP populations over the past three months (as indicated on the separate chart insert) in the province is due to renewed hostilities in the southern part of the municipality of Alamada, and a large influx of IDPs from Datu Piang, Maguindanao, to . The municipality of Midsayap lies near the border of North Cotabato and Maguindanao. IDPs from Maguindanao chose Toreta IDP site, Pigkawayan, North Cotabato. to cross the border into Midsayap, North Cotabato, due to over Water points with handpumps and water drums are crowding in the IDP sites in Datu Piang, Maguindanao. This specific among the WASH sector assistance provided by IOM group of IDPs face an added complication in seeking humanitarian to IDP communities. June 2009. assistance in that the Local Government Units (LGUs) of North I O M I N M I N D A N A O

Immediate Response to Emergencies on the Ground IOM’s Mobile and Vulnerable Population Support (MVPS) teams continue to regularly assess the situation in the field and to deliver direct services. As of June 2009, MVPS teams cover 250 IDP sites across Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, including both evacuation sites and hosting communities. MVPS teams continue to provide up-to-date information on the most immediate humanitarian needs and the mobility behavior of affected population, as well as making referrals to and actively engaging coordination among government and humanitarian actors, towards the efficient delivery of humanitarian support. This mechanism continues to be a vital component of coordination among stakeholders in the three main affected provinces of Central Mindanao. Social Workers and other local government officials in Water and Sanitation for Health (WASH) need of NFIs and other humanitarian assistance. The provision of WASH support remains a crucial part of January 2009. humanitarian assistance. With the number of affected persons increasing in IDP sites and hosting communities, along with In addition to this, with new IDP sites and additional the continuing emergence of new IDP sites and the anticipation hosting communities springing up regularly, particularly of more hosting communities, there remains an urgent need for as of May 2009 when military actions increased, there remains a the provision of latrines, water points and other WASH facilities need to provide shelter materials for affected families congregating on the ground. IOM continues to work in coordination with the in these areas. IOM directly assesses, procures and distributes Department of Health and UNICEF to provide WASH support to these shelter enhancement materials. affected communities in Central Mindanao. IOM directly provides latrine and water system construction and, in some areas, bathing Humanitarian Response Monitoring System (HRMS) presented facilities. to the Department of Social Welfare and Development in ARMM and Region XII Non-Food Items An integral part of IOM’s existing Humanitarian Support Programme The provision of essential, emergency non-food items (NFI) such as in Central Mindanao is the roll-out of the Humanitarian Response blankets, sleeping mats, lanterns, hygiene kits, and cooking supplies Monitoring System (HRMS). HRMS was originally developed to track continues to emerge as a priority need within IDP sites and hosting the humanitarian relief efforts in response to the 2006 large scale communities. This is an ongoing and recurrent need springing from displacement caused by super typhoon Reming in the Bicol region the movement from one site of displacement to another, and the of the Philippines. The database has been modified to address arrival of new families at established sites. IOM highlights that, the information management needs in Central Mindanao. In June since the onset of the complex situation, humanitarian actors 2009, a workshop was facilitated to formally present the database providing NFIs have been limited. Local government partners have to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) communicated their appreciation for the provision of these items of ARMM and Region XII. As DSWD is the government partner to the affected communities. The prolonged nature of the complex agency that will host the database and take on its management situation coupled with the onset of the rainy season further and maintenance, capacity building activities were also provided increases the need for NFI augmentation. IOM directly assesses NFI during the workshop. needs, procures and distributes these items. HRMS was noted as one of the more tangible results of good Emergency Shelter partnerships between the government and international Ten months after the onset of the complex situation, facilities within humanitarian actors. DSWD has formally agreed to take on existing IDP sites and hosting communities are showing signsof the operation and housing of the HRMS, with IOM continuing deterioration. Emergency materials originally provided to affected technical support. IOM and DSWD view the HRMS as a key tool families have borne the brunt of the wear and tear inherent to the for government to help organize and report relevant data on the protracted nature of the current displacement, and have displacement and the resulting humanitarian need. deteriorated due to weather conditions.

IOM Future Direction & Funding Requirements

Mid 2009/Mid 2010: Continued support to CCCM and cluster related actions of IOM, including continued direct provision of non-food items, shelter improvement and water and sanitation facilities, and lead coordination role. • estimated budgetary requirements: EUR 1,200,000.00

Mid-to-late 2009/Mid 2010: Return, Early Recovery and Community Development Programme for Selected Communities in Mindanao. IOM projects geared towards: (a) local economic and community development; (b) assisted return and reintegration of IDPs; and (c) continuing support to and stabilization of communities in danger of dispersal. • estimated budgetary requirements: EUR 600,000.00 IOM Mindanao Newsletter FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRANTS AND SOCIETY Issue no. 4.1 - June 2009 insert to IOM Mindanao Newsletter, Issue No. 4.1, June 2009

DisplacementinCentralMindanao(families)  12ͲSep 30ͲSep 28ͲOct 27ͲNov 29ͲDec 27ͲJan 20ͲFeb 20ͲMar 18ͲApr 15ͲMay 20ͲJun Maguindanao 24,840 17,680 29,582 23,101 26,317 33,040 45,606 29,173 34,252 43,152 52,714 NorthCotabato 17,331 17,084 16,953 20,957 21,029 14,659 5,407 2,356 4,017 6,756 7,297 SultanKudarat 1,970 1,970 1,230 2,210 1,210 1,613 155 2,622 1,309 1,309 1,650 Total 44,141 36,734 47,765 46,268 48,556 49,312 51,168 34,151 39,578 51,217 61,661

70,000 FamilyDisplacementinMindanao(Source:DSWD,IOM)

60,000

50,000

40,000

Families 30,000

20,000

10,000

0 12ͲSep 30ͲSep 28ͲOct 27ͲNov 29ͲDec 27ͲJan 20ͲFeb 20ͲMar 18ͲApr 15ͲMay 20ͲJun

Maguindanao NorthCotabato SultanKudarat Total

*1family=5persons(average) DisplacementinCentralMindanao(NumberofCamps)  12ͲSep 30ͲSep 28ͲOct 27ͲNov 29ͲDec 27ͲJan 20ͲFeb 20ͲMar 18ͲApr 15ͲMay 20ͲJun Maguindanao 50 49 92 72 85 93 82 82 104 117 131 NorthCotabato 21 18 22 21 17 28 35 23 26 32 32 SultanKudarat 225551026888 Total 73 69 119 98 107 131 119 111 138 157 171

Number of Camps

180 171 160 157

140 138 131 131 120 119 119 117 111 107 104 100 98 92 93 85 80 82 82 73 69 72

Number of Camps 60 50 49 40 35 32 32 28 26 21 22 21 23 20 18 17 10 5 5 5 6 8 8 8 0 2 2 2 12-Sep 30-Sep 28-Oct 27-Nov 29-Dec 27-Jan 20-Feb 20-Mar 18-Apr 15-May 20-Jun Month

Maguindanao North Cotabato Sultan Kudarat Total OCHA Regional Office for Asia Pacific MINDANAO - Region XII Issued: 23 February 2009

LANAO DEL NORTE

LANAO DEL SUR DAVAO (DAVAO DEL NORTE) / BUKIDNON ALAMADA

PRESIDENT ROXASARAKAN

LIBUNGAN CARMEN ANTIPAS PIGKAWAYAN COTABATO CITY COTABATO (NORTH COTABATO) ALEOSAN MATALAMPRESIDENT ROXAS MIDSAYAP SHARIFF KABUNSUAN PIKIT CITY OF (Capital)

M'LANG MAGUINDANAO

TULUNAN (MARIANO MARCOS) DAVAO DEL SUR

PRESIDENT QUIRINO ESPERANZA LEBAK Lake (Capital) IOM MindanaoTANTANGANLUTAYAN Newsletter SULTAN KUDARATOCHA Regional Office for Asia Pacific Issue no. 4.1 - June 2009 KALAMANSIGFOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRANTS ANDNORALA SOCIETY

insert to IOM MindanaoBAGUMBAYAN Newsletter, Issue No. (Capital) 4.1,TAMPAKAN June 2009 SANTO NI? O SEN. NINOY AQUINOMINDANAO - Region XII Issued: 23 February 2009BANGA TUPI PALIMBANGLANAO DEL NORTE SURALLAH LANAO DEL SUR DAVAO (DAVAO DEL NORTE) / LAKE SEBU BUKIDNON CITYBANISILAN (DADIANGAS) (Capital) T'BOLIALAMADA

SARANGANI KIAMBA PRESIDENTMALAPATAN ROXASARAKAN CARMEN LIBUNGANMAASIM ANTIPAS PIGKAWAYAN

IOM • OIM

C IOM • OIM COTABATO CITY COTABATO (NORTH COTABATO) ALEOSAN GLANMATALAMPRESIDENT ROXAS Legend MIDSAYAP KABACAN MAGPET Municipality Boundary SHARIFF KABUNSUAN PIKIT Provincial Boundary CITY OF KIDAPAWAN (Capital)

IOM • OIM Source: DATU PIANG Administrative Boundary - MOA 05 10 20 30 40 50 MAMASAPANO M'LANG TALAYANKilometers MAKILALA MAGUINDANAO SHARIFF AGUAK TULUNAN LAMBAYONG (MARIANO MARCOS) DAVAO DEL SUR

PRESIDENT QUIRINO ESPERANZA TACURONG LEBAK Lake ISULAN (Capital) Buluan COLUMBIO

TANTANGANLUTAYAN SULTAN KUDARAT NORALA BAGUMBAYAN KORONADAL (Capital)TAMPAKAN SANTO NI? O SEN. NINOY AQUINO BANGA

TUPI SURALLAH MALUNGON SOUTH COTABATO POLOMOLOK LAKE SEBU

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (DADIANGAS)ALABEL (Capital) MAITUM T'BOLI

SARANGANI KIAMBA

MAASIM

Legend GLAN

Municipality Boundary Provincial Boundary

Source: IOM Office IOM • OIM Administrative Boundary - MOA 05 10 20 30 40 50 Kilometers Seven Principles of IOM Involvement in the Resolution of Mindanao Displacement

1. Extend full support to the Government of the Philippines in its strategy to successfully resolve the humanitarian situation in Mindanao through assessment-based safe, sustainable and dignified return of the displaced population, and continued provision of essential support to IDPs who are yet to return. 2. At the earliest opportunity, transition IOM efforts away from humanitarian interventions toward sustainable local development initiatives to reduce the pressure of economically-induced migration and to encourage and enable sustainable return of the displaced. 3. Work in close cooperation and in full coordination with all concerned agencies in government, and all agencies assisting the government. 4. Fulfill a central and lead coordination role for Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) through the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Cluster system, serving also as co-lead of the CCCM/Shelter/Protection Cluster led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for Government of Philippines, and fully support the coordination and service delivery functions of other Clusters. 5. Regularly report to and coordinate with donors and partners interested or engaged in the resolution of the humanitarian situation on Mindanao and in supporting a sustainable development strategy. 6. Ensure IOM’s presence in Mindanao is characterized by a highly professional and locally knowledgeable programme team, balanced in terms of gender and religious affiliation. 7. Prioritize staff safety and security as the prime directive guiding all IOM programming and management decisions.

Staff Safety and Security. Cognizant of the very real security risks related to humanitarian and recovery/development operations in Mindanao, IOM strives to fully comply with the Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) for security phase III areas. IOM’s Mindanao offices have been adequately equipped with the necessary security requirements including perimeter fencing, lighting, shatter resistant film and the presence of security staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Moreover, IOM’s vehicle fleet is MOSS compliant to ensure the safety and security of programme staff during field missions – which are constantly on-going. An IOM security assistant based in Cotabato City ensures the implementation of security standards and ensures full coordination and clearance of IOM movements and activities on Mindanao with all relevant actors. IOM’s global Staff Security Unit is based in Manila and provides frequent back up support to IOM Mindanao operations.

For further information please contact:

IOM Mission with Regional Functions (MRF) - Manila Contact Point for Mindanao Programmes: Ida Mae Fernandez, Regional Programme Officer E-mail: [email protected] 25th Floor, Citibank Tower Condominium, 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, 1226, Philippines Tel: +63.2.848.12.60 to 65 • Fax: +63.2.848.12.57 • E-mail: [email protected] • Website: http://www.iom.int

IOM Mindanao Operations Contact Point: Jasper Llanderal, Project Coordinator E-mail: [email protected] #4 Ilang-Ilang Street, Cotabato City, Maguindanao, Philippines • Tel/Fax: +63.64.421.1366