DAVAO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 9, 2014) – Tribal children affected by military offensives in the southern Philippines have been reported suffering from various diseases in Davao City where they sought refuge from the war, the Children’s Rehabilitation Center said on Wednesday.
It said three infants were brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center because of diarrhoea, severe dehydration and pneumonia. The children were among some 1,000 natives who fled the town of Talaingod in Davao del Norte where the military launched a campaign to flush out the communist New People’s Army rebels.
“The intense militarization in Talaingod which have caused the community to flee have put these children in a grave situation facing starvation and possible illnesses in the evacuation camp. What the children are experiencing in the hands of the current administration, at the helm of the military’s war, is a clear violation of their right to survival, development, participation and their right to be protected from all forms of harm and abuse.”
“We hope that they can return to their communities but given the relentless militarization of their areas, it may be difficult for them to return to their homes yet,” said Rius Valle, a CRC advocacy officer.
Valle, quoting a report by the Fr. Fausto ‘Pops’ Tentorio Foundation, said some 500 displaced Manobo children are now suffering from various ailments including diarrhoea, sore eyes, pulmonary tuberculosis, malnutrition, ulcer, gastritis and hyper-acidity.
Valle also denied military reports that various humanitarian groups and human rights were allegedly misleading the public about the suffering of the refugees.
“The children do not want to be here (in evacuation centers in Davao City). We don’t want them uprooted from their homes. But we both don’t have any choice,” Valle said. “We’d rather have them here with doctors, nurses and support groups ensuring their welfare, rather than have they starved in the deepest parts of Pantaron Range where they traditionally go to in times of militarization.”
Valle also appealed for aid for the evacuees, particularly children, who are now in the care of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines in Davao City. (Mindanao Examiner)
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