#RHRCFieldMonitoring. #OfficialStatement Regional Human Rights Commission of ARMM 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, Datu Piang Municipality. Affected residents from the municipalities of Datu Piang, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Mamasapano, Sultan sa Barongis, Datu Salibo, 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 Datu Piang and Datu Salibo. 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 Shariff Aguak. 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 uphold 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.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 01:42:36 +0000
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