Displacement Dashboard

ISSUE NO. 24, FEBRUARY 2016

The Displacement Dashboard is a monthly publication of the Protection Cluster in Mindanao, which is co-led by UNHCR with the Department of Social Welfare and Development. This publication aims to provide an overview of the protection environment of displacement incidents in Mindanao for each month. Displacement incidents were collected with the support of Protection Cluster members in Mindanao.

MAGUINDANAO LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATION

The skirmishes initiated by the government’s LEO will be intensified. The IDPs persons) when AFP forces advanced their Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) last year from both incidents had returned home by the offensives and engaged the BIFF in a firefight during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve in end of January. in the municipality of on 05 and North Cotabato provinces February. A firefight has also been reported in has led the Armed Forces of the Philippines However, by early February, and in the wake of Sitio Badak, Madia in the municipali- (AFP) to pursue its Law Enforcement Operation the Congress’ failure to pass the proposed ty of Datu Saudi Ampatuan on 10 February (LEO) in central Mindanao in 2016. In February Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the LEO intensi- that displaced about 2,322 families (estimated 2016, military reinforcement, build-up of fied inside the ‘SPMS box’ (Salbu, Pagatin, 11,610 persons). Another armed encounter on troops and sporadic armed clashes continue to , and ) known to be 22 February in the municipality of Shariff cause massive displacement of civilians in and a BIFF stronghold area. Families who recently Aguak prompted 836 families (estimated around the areas where the BIFF is believed to had returned from the January displacement 4,180 persons) to leave their homes. Local maintain force. incidents were displaced once more as a residents interviewed stated that the AFP was result. firing mortar rounds in the direction of An armed encounter between the AFP and Barangay Bagong-Upam of Shariff Aguak and BIFF forces in barangay Timbangan in the first Four (4) incidents of armed encounter between Barangay Pikeg of Shariff Saidona Mustapha. days of 2016 had led to the displacement of the AFP and the BIFF were reported in Another group of 1,274 families (estimated around 3,266 families (estimated 16,330 February that triggered the displacement of 6,370 persons) have fled Barangay Pandi in persons) in Shariff Aguak municipality. In civilians from the municipalities of Datu Salibo, Datu Salibo to its adjacent barangays on 24 addition, on 08 January, around 1,885 families Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Shariff Saydona February out of fear that a firefight from the (9,425 persons) from the municipalities of Mustapha, and Shariff Aguak. AFP and the BIFF may erupt again. Shariff Aguak and had pre-emptively evacuated to neighboring The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao By the end of February, a total of 6,822 fami- communities due to a heightened presence of (ARMM) authorities reported the displacement lies (estimated 34,110 persons) have been government troops and fear that the of around 2,390 families (estimated 11,950 displaced because of these fresh fightings.

DATU BLAH SINSUAT CLAN FEUD

On 25 February, a gun battle between two non- According to a report from local authorities, the triggered by a land dispute, has left one civilian state armed actors in Datu Blah Sinsuat IDPs coming from barangay Resa fled to the dead and one wounded. The families remain municipality forced around 230 families neighboring villages of Kinimi, Lapaken and displaced as of this report. (estimated 1,150 persons) from their homes. sitio Turigan of barangay Resa. The conflict,

MINDANAO PEACE PROCESS

The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) passage of the BBL. On 18 February, MILF that was supposed to create a new issued an official statement that expressed autonomous political entity for the Bangsamoro their frustration over the non-passage of the bill people in Mindanao was not passed when the but that they remain firm to continue to uphold 16th Congress adjourned on 3 February. While the peace process and preserve all of its much of the delay in the passage of the bill has present gains2. MILF expressed to continue to been attributed to the Mamasapano tragedy in demand from government to implement the January 2014, the lack of quorum and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro problem to sustain it in both chambers were (CAB) signed on 27 March 2014, which include considered the major hindering factors. The the passing of the BBL3. MILF has been halted passage of the BBL does not only consistent on its stand not to accept substitute impede the establishment of the Bangsamoro bills or any diluted version of the original BBL. but also the process of decommissioning of The BLBAR in the House and Senate have been combatants of the MILF’s armed wing, the criticized for envisioning a Bangsamoro less Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces1. It can be autonomous than the ARMM it seeks to recalled that in June 2015 initial number of replace.

firearms were turned over by the MILF to the

government despite the uncertainty over the

1 http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2016/01/30/bbl-passage-decommissioning-etc-passed-on-to-next-administration/

Lack of disaggregated information of the displaced population due to 2 http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2016/02/28/duterte-pass-bbl-and-make-bangsamoro-an-example-for-the-rest-to-follow/

conflict hampers a targeted humanitarian response especially to 3 http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2016/01/17/milf-the-bbl-will-pass-if-congress-decides-to-pass-it/

persons with specific needs. © UNHCR/K. Bolisay 4http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2016/01/17/milf-the-bbl-will-pass-if-congress-decides-to-pass-it/ PAGE 1 OF 2

UNHCR Mindanao, Philippines I Rosary Heights 6 , , Philippines I +63 (64) 421 7945 I [email protected] I www.unhcr.ph

February 2016 Displacement Dashboard

BUTIG, ARMED CONFLICT PAGE 2 OF 2

On 21 February, armed clashes, which lasted (as far as City). There are few volunteers suggest that the armed groups are more than a week, between government designated evacuation centers in , which recruiting minors. Residents also mentioned troops and a non-state armed group triggered makes it more difficult for the government and minors who participated in the actual combat the displacement of about 6,501 families humanitarian actors to effectively respond and that resulted in the death of one minor (male). (estimated 32,491 persons) in Poblacion address the concerns of the IDPs. Access to Bayabao and eight (8) other barangays in Butig affected areas were also restricted by the As of this report, the military offensive has municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur. military for security reasons. ended and tension in the affected areas has The non-state armed group, now identified as waned. Local authorities and the State led by the Maute brothers, allegedly affiliated Military offensives, including aerial Security Sector said that IDP returns will be with the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), reportedly bombardments, carried out in areas where the facilitated once the areas are cleared from harassed and assaulted a military base, which rebels were allegedly hiding caused destruc- possible IEDs4. However, local non-government prompted retaliation by the 51st Infantry tion of civilian properties as the armed conflict organizations report that most of the displaced Battalion of the Armed Forces of the spread to the nearby municipality of Sultan families are reluctant to return as they are still Philippines (AFP). Dumalundong. Protection actors reported concerned that a firefight may erupt anytime5. safety and security, food and non-food

By 29 February, around 90% of the population assistance, water, sanitation, and hygiene 4http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2016/03/02/Butig-Lanao-del-Sur-clashes- Maute-group.html of Butig had fled their homes seeking refuge (WASH), and health as main protection issues 5http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/03/04/now-safe-for-butig-villagers- among host families in nearby municipalities facing IDPs. Reports from community to-go-home-military/

ZAMBOANGA PROTRACTED DISPLACEMENT The achievement of durable solutions for the dis- were awarded to the IDPs. There is no definite affected IDPs both in transitory sites and host placed population in Zamboanga City continues to timeline yet as to when IDPs will be transferred. communities where water rationing has now been be impeded by outstanding protection concerns. 500 temporary sanitation units will have to be put in place. The City Water District and the Philip- Such concerns include housing, land and property installed in the largest permanent housing site in pine Red Cross are delivering water tanker trucks issues and access to sustainable livelihoods and Kasanyangan before IDPs can move there. Resolv- to supply water in the transitory sites. Risks of basic services, including adequate water, sanita- ing the issue on the access road connecting disease outbreaks may increase should the situa- tion, and hygiene (WASH) facilities. Kasanyangan also remains a concern. In Mariki, tion persist. people have neglected the local authorities’ stand-

ing order on the installation of the sanitation units As of the end of February, around 2,849 families and have started moving to, and occupying the While the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) agreed that the profiled and veri- (estimated 16,055 persons) continue to live in permanent housing units. substandard conditions in transitory sites waiting fied 1,224 home-based IDP families (estimated

for relocation or transfer to permanent sites while 7,638 persons) can now be used as initial and around 4,000 families (estimated 21,000 persons) There is confusion and frustration among IDPs official reference for any government rehabilitation are in host communities awaiting inclusion in the over the lack of information on the status and the assistance. The remaining 3,248 home-based IDP government’s rehabilitation programmes. target completion of the permanent housing units. families who were not covered in the re-profiling The non-implementation of the Code of Beneficiar- exercise last December 2015 need to be re- ies and the Implementing Rules and Regulations in validated and included in the government master

As improvements to road access, water and power the beneficiary selection adds to the confusion. list. facilities are ongoing in transitory sites, particularly Although local authorities are projecting that relo-

the biggest transitory site in Mampang, IDPs are cation will be carried out by end of March 2016, requesting information on whether there are plans there are no indications that this will be realized The City Social Welfare and Development Office to make Mampang a permanent site especially for due to the delay in the construction and installa- (CSWDO), City Legal Office, Commission on Human those who are not considered owners, unregis- tion of basic facilities in the housing units. The Rights, Department of Education and other line tered or “untagged” by the housing department of Governance and Rule of Law sector, comprised of agencies under the Basic Services and Education the city government. protection actors such as the City Legal Office and & Governance and Rule of Law sectors launched Commission on Human Rights, has been pushing the Free One-stop Shop Mobile Birth Registration

for the reactivation of the Grievance Committee to in transitory sites in mid-February. The registration The National Housing Authority (NHA) reported that activity focused on the issuance and re-issuance of look into these concerns. out of the 6, 500 permanent housing units under certified true copy of birth certificates. Another the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and round of the registration exercise will be conducted Reconstruction (Z3R) Plan, only 40 to 45% have The city of Zamboanga has been experiencing a by end of March 2016. been constructed and only 1,347 housing units water shortage brought about by El Niño. This has

MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO CLAN FEUD

Two warring clans engaged in a firefight on 18 clan feud is believed to stem from a land dis- February that resulted in the displacement of pute. The displaced families returned home around 400 families (estimated 1,570 after two days. persons) in barangay Mudseng in the munici- pality of Midsayap, North Cotabato province. Children who comprise the majority of displaced population Another firefight erupted the following day. The remain one of the vulnerable sectors needing protection support. © UNHCR/K. Bolisay

DISCLAIMER The Monthly Mindanao Displacement Dashboard aims to provide a starting point for information and analysis that can help protection agencies, policy makers and other stakeholders concerning instances of forced displacement or solutions (repatriation, resettlement, integration). The number of people displaced / affected may differ from the number in need of humanitarian assistance. To the extent possible, the terminology used in the Dashboard reflects the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and other sources of international law and practice. The information reported in the Monthly Mindanao Displacement Dashboard has been received from members of the Protection Cluster across Mindanao. Consequently, unreported cases of forced displacement and solutions are not reflected. Updates will be provided as and when more information is received from members. Although efforts are made to verify the data, the UNHCR Mindanao, Philippines takes no responsibility for the incompleteness or inaccuracy of the information. The information provided in this Monthly Mindanao Displacement Dashboard does not necessarily reflect the views of UNHCR or any individual member of the Protection Cluster. UNHCR Mindanao, Philippines I Rosary Heights 6 , Cotabato City, Philippines I +63 (64) 421 7945 I [email protected] I www.unhcr.ph MONTHLY DISPLACEMENT DASHBOARD FEBRUARY 2016, ISSUE NO. 24 The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement note that “internally displaced persons are persons or groups of persons who have been forced or obliged to flee or to leave their homes DINAGAT or places of habitual residence, in particular as a result of or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations of generalized violence, violations of human rights or natural or ISLANDS human-made disasters, and who have not crossed an internationally recognized State border.”

Durable Solutions - UNHCR with Protection Cluster members continue to identify CRIME AND VIOLENCE 8 IN TALAINGOD communities that are subjected to protracted displacement over the course of the year to DINAGAT ensure all IDPs are identified and the appropriate attention and resources can be BUTIG, LANAO DEL SUR 100%ISLANDS 2 ARMED CONFLICT 775 obtained to support finding a durable solution to their displacement. PARA-MALITARY HARASSMENT SURIGAO 6 IN BUKIDNON 0% DEL NORTE 775 0% 0% 32,491 % OF RETURN AND PRESENTLY DISPLACED 200 POPULATION TO THE TOTAL DISPLACED 0 POPULATION CURRENT NUMBER OF IDPS IN NEED OF DURABLE SOLUTION 0 100% XIII 100% % OF RETURN AND PRESENTLY DISPLACED 0 POPULATION TO THE TOTAL DISPLACED SURIGAO 32,491 POPULATION % OF RETURN AND PRESENTLY DISPLACED CAMIGUIN DEL NORTE 3,017 TOTAL NO. OF PERSONS WHO ARE POPULATION TO THE TOTAL DISPLACED 200 POPULATION PRESENTLY DISPLACED IN MINDANAO 3,017 | 0 PROTRACTED DISPLACEMENT SINCE 2012 - FEBRUARY 2016 DATU BLAH SINSUAT 198,182 2,806SURIGAO 3 CLAN FEUD presently displaced due to CAMIGUIN AGUSAN DEL SUR 0% X DEL NORTE ARMED CONFLICT 4 CLAN FUED 1,150 IN PIGKAWAYAN MISAMIS REGION 121,363 785 ORIENTAL presently displaced due to 49% 0 100% 785 | 0 AGUSAN SURIGAO XIII 350 DEL SUR % OF RETURN AND PRESENTLY DISPLACED PROTRACTED DISPLACEMENT DEL NORTE NATURAL DISASTER POPULATION TO THE TOTAL DISPLACED 76,819 1,150 POPULATION 0 REGION NPA VS PARA-MILITARY 180 51% MISAMIS AGUSA5N ARMED CONFLICT IN MAGPET ORIENTAL % OF RETURN AND PRESENTLY DISPLACED MISAMIS DEL SUR POPULATION TO THE TOTAL DISPLACED REGION X XIII 100% CLARIFICATIONS 170 POPULATION OCCIDENTAL 775

CITY OF AGUSAN Typhoon Pablo displacement - A large number of IDPs remain displaced from Typhoon Pablo in December 2012 in MALAYBA LAY ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR 775 0% Eastern Mindanao, Region XI who are still in need of a durable solution. Many of these families remain in MISAMIS DEL NORTE OCCIDENTAL BUKIDNON % OF RETURN AND PRESENTLY DISPLACED ZAMBOANGA LANAO POPULATION TO THE TOTAL DISPLACED temporary shelters where local authorities have been slowly obtaining access to land and constructing permanent REGION X POPULATION DEL NORTE DEL 0 housing for these IDPs. As of October 2015, there are still an estimated 76,819 IDPs in need of a durable solution in this ZAMBOANGA NORTE DEL SUR region. BUKIDNON REGION IX LANAO ZAMBOANGA LANAO DEL SUR REGION IX SIBUGAY DEL NORTE COMPOSTELA NUMBER OF INCIDENTS CAUSING DISPLACEMENT IN 2016 IX LANAO VALLEY DAVAO DEL ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR DAVAO TA LA INGOD NORTE TOTAL IN FEBRUARY 2016 TOTAL SINCE JAN 2016 SIBUGAY DEL NORTE INCIDENTS DISPLACEMENT INCIDENTS DISPLACEMENT 23,693 BUTIG (persons) (persons) 23,693 | 0 REGION XI COMPOSTELA ARMM PIGKAWAYA N ARMED CONFLICT PROTRACTED DISPLACEMENT NORTH REGION XI VALLEY incidents with displacement 4 69,321 13 104,253 COTABATO 23,693 COTABMIDSAYAPATO The bulk of presently displaced CITY persons is due to Typhoon NATURAL DISASTER COTABATO NORTH MAGPET DAVAO PIKIT Bopha (Pablo). incidents with displacement 0 0 0 0 CITY COTABATO ORIENTAL The pesently displaced persons is ZAMBOANGA DAVAO

due to armed conflict between AFP DATU SAUDI SHARIFF DEL SUR DATU SAY DONA ORIENTAL AMPATUAN ARMM MUSTAPHA vs MNLF in September 2013 SALIBO

MAGUINDANAO SHARIFF ARMM MAGUINDANAO AGUAK SHARIFF (MAGANOY ) AGUAK DISPLACEMENT MOVEMENT IN FEBRUARY 2016 (see details in boxes) DATU BLA H 77,487 T. SINSUAT XI CITY OF TOTAL DISPLACEMENT CITY OF ISABELA IN FEBRUARY 2016 69,321 ISABELA 77,487 | 0 SULTAN DAVAO DAVAO SULTAN BASBILAASNILAN KUDARAT DEL SUR DEL SUR 77,707 PROTRACTED DISPLACEMENT KUDARAT MILF VS TRIBAL LEADER REGION ESTIMATE NUMBER OF REGION 888 | 76,819 9 ARMED CONFLICT IN UPI PERSONS WHO HAVE 11,244 XII SOUXTHII PROTRACTED DISPLACEMENT 6,960 0% RETURNED COTABATO 1,072 SOUTH COSATARBAANTGOANI 77,047 IDPs IN FEBRUARY IN NEED SARANGANI 0 100% OF DURABLE SOLUTIONS 62,361 LAW ENFORCEMENT % OF RETURN AND PRESENTLY DISPLACED SULU POPULATION TO THE TOTAL DISPLACED 4 OPERATION 1,072 AGAINST BIFF POPULATION

PATA 16% 34,110 MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO XII 1 CLAN FEUD

5,390 84% 15,493 100% % OF RETURN AND PRESENTLY DISPLACED 1,570 POPULATION TO THE TOTAL DISPLACED 28,720 POPULATION 15,493 | 0

PROTRACTED DISPLACEMENT 1,570 0% TAWI-TAWI % OF RETURN AND PRESENTLY DISPLACED POPULATION TO THE TOTAL DISPLACED POLITICAL RIVALRY 7,215 0 POPULATION 2 IN PATA TAWI-TAWI 3 CLAN CONFLICT IN PIKIT LEGEND 0% 1,500 0% 4,545 0 100% I

% OF RETURN AND PRESENTLY DISPLACED 0 100% POPULATION TO THE TOTAL DISPLACED Scale 1:3,500,000 1,500 POPULATION % OF RETURN AND PRESENTLY DISPLACED TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL ARMED NATURAL INCREASE / DECREASE REGIONAL POPULATION TO THE TOTAL DISPLACED 0 12.5 25 50 4,545 POPULATION DISPLACEMENT RETURN PRESENTLY CONFLICT DISASTER IN IDP MOVEMENT COMPARED BOUNDARY DISPLACED TO PREVIOUS MONTH Kilometers

SOURCES: Protection Cluster Mindanao CREATION DATE: 11 March 2016 FEEDBACK: [email protected] DISCLAIMER: The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.