RHRC Official Statement on the recent skirmishes
in the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato
January 28, 2014

“RHRC calls for the observance of International Humanitarian law and Human Rights in law enforcement operations in Maguindanao and North Cotabato”

On January 26, 2014 , fighting erupted in some municipalities in the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato between the government forces and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Initial reports from grassroot monitors state that mortar shelling has reached as near as 100-200 meters away from the public market of barangay Poblacion, DatuPiang Municipality.

Affected residents from the municipalities of DatuPiang, ShariffSaydona Mustapha, Mamasapano, Sultan saBarongis, DatuSalibo, Rajah Buayan in the province of Maguindanao have fled their homes and temporarily taken refuge in adjacent barangays and school buildings within their respective barangays, as early as a week before the skirmishes started.

On January 27, 2014, at 5:00 o’clock in the morning, heavy shelling started in DatuPiang and DatuSalibo. Helicopters were allegedly firing rockets and using machine guns. One civilian has been reported injured and brought to the Integrated Provincial Health Office – Maguindanao in ShariffAguak. Reports as to damage to properties are still to be confirmed.

We strongly urge the parties to immediately cease their hostilities in the areas populated by civilians and to observe International Humanitarian Law and human rights. The security, protection and welfare of civilians must be upheld at all times.

We call all agencies of the government to mobilize their resources to aid the internally displaced persons in the affected communities and to provide basic services they are entitled to under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (UNGPID). RHRC will continue to monitor these skirmishes and will investigate the incident.

For more information, please contact

Atty. AlgamarLatiph
Chairperson, RHRC
algamar.latiph.rhrc@gmail.com
(064)552-0436

Atty. Abdel Jamal R. Disangcopan
Head, RHRC Communications Group/ Lanaodel Sur Provincial Office
abdel.disangcopan.rhrc@gmail.com
(064)552-0436

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