Human shields

MANILA, Philippines - The conflict brought by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Mindanao particularly in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and in Lanao del Norte brought us fears and trauma that even until now, we can’t have a peaceful sleep at night. Until now, my children have nightmares. We know that the government and the military and the police are doing their job to secure us all and hunt those MILF murderers. We are calling the attention of the MILF leaders to order their men to stop these unlawful activities they are doing to our place. We had enough of their abuses, the school year is about to start this June but we are not sure if we can send our children to school and I don’t even know if I can still go back to the school where I teach.

The MILF are using us for their interests.   We are defenseless, we are poor but we are working hard for our family and then there they are, heartlessly destroying our lives. It’s been a year and the MILF are not yet tired of spreading chaos and destruction in our province. To the MILF please spare us and leave us now! We are begging you! – Amira Isaldina, Shariff Kabunsuan, Maguindanao