From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 24): NGOs to help GPH-MILF clear Mindanao
conflict areas of unexploded ordnance
Following the signing of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro, the Philippine
Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL) and the Foundation Suisse de Déminage France
(FSD) will work with the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to reduce the threat from Landmines and
Unexploded Ordnances (UXO) in conflict-affected areas.
Through the joint efforts of PCBL and FSD, the action will finally give
effect to the Parties' agreement entitled “Guidelines for the Implementation of
the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines-Fondation Suisse De Deminage (PCBL-FSD)
Project Pursuant to the Joint Statement of the GRP-MILF Peace Panels Dated 15
November 2007” signed on the 5th of May 2010 in Malaysia.
The project will identify and clear suspected hazardous areas in 21
municipalities in Maguindanao, Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur
covering a total of 450,629 hectares inhabited by 814,651 people or indirect
beneficiaries, according to PCBL national coordinator Alfredo Ferrariz-Lubang in
a statement.
He said if 15 percent of these affected municipalities are found to be
suspected hazardous areas, the project will potentially release 67,594 hectares
of land for increased livelihood for 122,198 direct beneficiaries.
Besides increased economic opportunities, the project will free the
beneficiaries from the fear of being killed or injured by these unfortunate
relics of war. In the Philippines, 496 casualties have been identified from
Landmines, Explosive Remnants of War, (ERW) or Improvised Explosive Devices
(IEDs) since 1999, with 34 casualties for 2011 including 14 children.....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=474341
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