Dear Social Action Directors,

Greetings from NASSA-Caritas Philippines !

The conflicts between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Philippine Military have again escalated in the different parts of Mindanao . The “break-away” and other armed groups aggravated the situation and made use of the opportunity to cause different forms of violence such as bombings, massacre, and arsons, among others. Despite the appeals for reconciliation by the various sectors of the society, the tensions and sporadic encounters continue to erupt in some areas, triggering the influx of internally displaced peoples (IDP) in various evacuation centers. The provision of emergency relief assistance could hardly reach its intended beneficiaries due to the very volatile peace and order situation.

In the Diocese of Iligan alone, 14,863 individuals (nearly 5,000 families) coming from three municipalities namely Linamon, Kauswagan and Kolambugan were forced to flee their homes. At present, around 14,000 individuals have temporarily stayed in school buildings and auditoriums in Iligan City and some have opted to go to Ozamiz City . As per report from the Bishop of Iligan, 35 civilians were killed, 12 are wounded and almost 50 houses were burned.

The Archdiocese of Cotabato is in similar crisis. As per data from the Archdiocesan Social Action Center of Cotabato, almost 5,000 families (approximately 24,000+ individuals) from the Vicariate of Midsayap were directly affected by MILF-military conflict. These areas are Pigcawayan, Libungan, Aleosan, Midsayap, Pikit and Alamada. These families were also forced to leave their homes and properties to escape the wrath of the MILF.

In behalf of the directly affected and internally displaced peoples from these areas, NASSA once again appeals to your generous hearts for assistance for the victims of armed conflict in the Archdiocese of Cotabato and Diocese of Iligan. We further request that assistance will come in the form of cash so that we could easily facilitate the transfer to affected areas. Kindly deposit your contributions to the following account details: PHILTRUST CBCP CARITAS FILIPINAS FOUNDATION, INC. PESO A/C 003200137783. Kindly furnish us a copy of your deposit slip through fax # (02) 527.41.44. For queries, please contact Ms. Elvie Manalansan at (02) 527.41.47.

Your help and assistance will go a long way in delivering relief to the victims of war and armed conflict. Thank you very much and best regards. I am,

Sincerely,



SR. ROSANNE MALLILLIN, SPC
Executive Secretary