Armed conflict in Mindanao displaces 132,000 people

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Families affected by ongoing armed conflict in at least three provinces in Mindanao further ballooned to 26,959 or nearly 132,000 individuals, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said today.

The affected families came from 13 towns of Maguindanao, the town of Pikit in North Cotabato where there is an on-going clash between the government forces and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and in Bitaugan, Surigao Del Sur where a clash between the Philippine Army and the New People's Army occurred.

As of March 19, a total of P24.6 million ($558,583) worth of food packs, and other food and non-food items have been extended to families affected by the ongoing armed conflict, the department said.

The security forces launched all-out offensive against lawless groups in Mindanao three weeks ago.