PHILIPPINES: UN TO PROVIDE FOOD AID TO FAMILIES DISPLACED BY ONGOING CLASHES

PHILIPPINES: UN TO PROVIDE FOOD AID TO FAMILIES DISPLACED BY ONGOING CLASHES New York, Aug 12 2008 11:10AM The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced it will begin providing food aid to communities in the southern Philippines, where ongoing clashes between Muslim rebels and government troops have forced about 130,000 people to flee their homes.

WFP will provide an initial 400 metric tons of rice worth over $308,000 to assist 96,000 people for at least one month in the conflict-affected communities in North Cotabato, including in Mindanao which has witnessed continued fighting between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and government troops.

"WFP fully understands that the situation remains fluid, and we will continue to work closely with all concerned to further assess the total number of affected persons and adjust our response accordingly," Stephen Anderson, WFP's new Country Director in the Philippines.

"WFP remains concerned over the growing number of persons displaced by the violence between the armed forces and the MILF. Many of the affected population are women and children, and we are concerned for their wellbeing and stand ready to support humanitarian needs," he <"http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/KLMT-7HF5N2?OpenDocument&RSS20=18-P">said.

According to Government officials, almost 130,000 people have been displaced from 42 villages in North Cotabato province, since the fighting began last week. They will be provided with food support in some 43 government evacuation centres in the province.

WFP's response, which comes at the request of the provincial government of North Cotabato, aims to support the Mindanao peace process by providing food aid to meet urgent needs, as an immediate "peace dividend" for conflict-affected communities.

"We hope for peace, so that these families can return to their communities," said Mr. Anderson.
2008-08-12 00:00:00.000

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