Philippines: Up to 3,500 people flee fighting between MILF and government forces in Basilan
| Publisher | Norwegian Refugee Council/Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (NRC/IDMC) |
| Publication Date | 21 October 2011 |
| Cite as | Norwegian Refugee Council/Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (NRC/IDMC), Philippines: Up to 3,500 people flee fighting between MILF and government forces in Basilan , 21 October 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4ea148762.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Between 1,500 and 3,500 people have reportedly fled their homes in south-western Mindanao as a result of intense fighting between rebels of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine armed forces near the town of Al-Barka, on the island province of Basilan. The displaced people, most of whom fled as a result of shelling by the military near their villages, reportedly sought refuge in nearby towns. No information was given on the conditions they faced or their needs, but the mayor of Al-Barka did appeal for assistance. 19 soldiers and six rebels were reported killed in the 18 October clash.
According to the MILF, who accused the military of violating the truce between the parties, their attack followed an army assault on a MILF camp. The army stated that the soldiers were chasing a kidnapping gang when they were attacked by the MILF. The government described the incident as a "misencounter" which would not affect the upcoming peace talks.
