September 2008
Maguindanao Update
NP along with the International Monitoring Team and Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society visited Datu Saudi and Datu Piang, Maguindanao on 2nd of September 2008. The group was allowed to pass through the Salbo-Datu Piang road and managed to reach as far as Brgy.Duaminanga, of Datu Piang, Maguindanao. Along the way, the group noticed that main doors of most of the civilian houses on Salvo-Datu Piang road were opened including the front door of the office/house of Nonviolent Peaceforce in Brgy.Dapiawan, Datu Saudi,Maguindanao. The group observed that some of the houses in Brgy. Madia, Datu Saudi, Maguindanao were totally burned and destroyed .
IDP's status in Datu Piang
In few locations (from Salvo to Datu Piang Poblacion and from Balanaken to Balong), some civilians already started getting back to their respective Barangays and some civilians went inside to fetch their belongings. Overall, the IDP's are fully aware that its not yet safe for them to return back to their respective barangays at this stage. The Evacuees are finding it difficult to stay in the evacuation centers and are also worried about their farm animals which were left behind at the time of evacuation.
IDP's in Libutan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao getting sick
Nonviolent Peaceforce visited Brgy. Libutan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao twice which is a bit difficult place to reach up to yesterday (2nd Sep). NP found out that two children died in last two days because of Diarrhea in the evacuation centers in Libutan. There are reports of two more children seriously sick in the same location. NP forwarded the information to UNICEF in this regard (FOR further information, please refer to UNICEF).
Missing Animals
Today (3rd of September) the IDP's from Balong, Datu Piang, Maguindanao tried to visit their place. They found out that most of the household items inside their premises are scattered, livestock is missing and a cow is slaughtered.
Overall, most of the people are reluctant to go back because of the prevailing uncertain situation.
