Thousands of people forced to flee their homes following the re-eruption of clan dispute in Barangay Bakat, SSM and Dasikil, Mamasapano on May 2, 2024 that escalated to Barangay Tukanalipao and Pimbalakan, Mamasapano as well as in Linantangan, SSM from May 3, 2024 up to now, May 6, 2024. The re-occurence of this violent clan dispute is triggered by the failed settlement facilitated by the peace mechanism set on April 27, 2024. Protection monitors disclosed that one of the parties to the conflict didn’t agree to settle the difference in Cotabato City due to security reason while travelling from Mamasapano to Cotabato City.
Protection monitors added that following the failed settlement on April 27, 2024, both parties have provocative actions that trigger re-eruption of conflict that caused suffering of the innocent civilians, loss and damaged to their properties and even productive assets.
As this conflict continued to ravage communities, the conflict affected families through the protection monitors appealing to the local authorities, the peace mechanism, state security forces and the MILF leadership to take necessary and immediate measures to de-secalate the on-going conflict to end the unnecessary suffering of the affected population and the loss and damaged to their properties and productive assets. They are also appealing to the MSSD for fast tracking the IRR of BARMM IDP law for its implementation to ensure protection of IDPs during and after displacements once the law is passed by the Bangsamoro parliament.
In connection with the reported looting of civilian properties, Chapter II, section 6, paragraph h of the regional IDP law states that “the property and possessions of IDPs shall, in all circumstances, be protected against pillage or looting, direct and indiscriminate attacks or acts of violence, including being used to shield military operations or objectives, being made the object of reprisal, or being destroyed or appropriated as a form of collective punishment and destruction. Neither shall the property or possession of IDPs become the subject of arbitrary and illegal appropriation, occupation, or use”.
In line with the allege reported violation of the rights of IDPs as shown in the photos below and video link https://www.facebook.com/majasmitt.tending/videos/855430163266119 , the protection monitors calling the BHRC to investigate the allege violation of the rights of the IDPs to prevent future violations and hold accountable the responsible parties.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064821155522
