UPDATE ON HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE FOR SULU IDPS
1. The Mindanao Emergency Response Network for Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi, or MERN ZamPenBaSulTa, with base at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University – Ateneo Peace Institute (ADZU-API), offers itself as the central coordinating mechanism for its NGO members and other relief NGOs for humanitarian assistance for Sulu evacuees. Tabang Mindanaw is one of the original co-conveners of MERN since 2003. The MERN cluster met last Feb 18 and was hosted by ADZU-API, and attended by UNDP - IDP, Save the Children - US, MIRD, PNRC and the representative from the Provincial ACC, ADZU, and Tabang Mindanaw. The latter facilitated the meeting. ADZU-API is the central coordinating secretariat of the MERN cluster and is headed by Ms Cecil Simbajon.
2. The Mindanao Integrated Resource Development, Inc. or MIRD, a MERN cluster member, will work on a one-stop information site for MERN ZamPenBaSulTa on the Sulu humanitarian needs.
3. In agreement with the Area Coordinating Council (ACC) in the Province of Sulu in a meeting last Feb 19 at the Provincial Capitol of Sulu, MERN ZamPenBaSulTa, represented by Tabang Mindanaw Exec. Director Milet B. Mendoza and PNRC-Sulu’s Pinky Chiong, will focus on the non-rice food assistance with a specific food package containing the 1200 kcal requirement per person per day based on Type 4 ration (rice-eating countries) from WFP/UNHCR Guidelines for estimating food and nutritional needs. These goods, except for the dried fish, will be purchased in Zamboanga City and repacked and prepared for shipment to Jolo by the ADZU-API. The cost of shipment is the counterpart of the Provincial ACC as agreed with its Chairman, Gov Ben Loong, and Exec Officer Mr. Amilbahar B. Amilasan, Provincial Civil Defense Deputized Coordinator. Also, the Provincial Government will counterpart the rice provision per family ranging from 5 to 10 kilos per ration.
4. The non- rice food pack includes: 1 kilo brown sugar, 1/2 kilo iodized salt, 1 liter tetra pack vegetable oil, 1 kilo dried fish (to be purchased in Jolo c/o Tabang Mindanaw). Tabang Mindanaw will initially provide the funds for 2,500 family packs of non - rice food item at an average cost of P200 per family. If resources will allow, a bar of bath soap and laundry soap will be added. Tabang Mindanaw will also solicit multivitamins for children, pregnant and lactating mothers, and anti-scabies ointment. Other MERN partners are also providing non - food relief package such as blankets, mats, plastic sheeting/tents, mosquito nets, etc. This non-rice food pack will be supplemented by 10-kilo rice provision from the ACC, which will be turned over to the PNRC. MERN ZamPenBaSulTa discourages the solicitation and distribution of infant milk formula and instant noodles to the evacuees.
5. As of 21 February 2005, total families displaced in 10 municipalities in mainland Sulu are 5,602 equivalent to roughly 33,979 persons. So far, at least 50% have received one round of relief assistance since the beginning of the conflict on February 7. A typical food package currently distributed is composed of 5-10 kilos of rice, 5 cans of sardines and 3-5 packs of instant noodles.
6. Most of the displaced families are home-based and are difficult to reach and validate. Those that are currently able to receive some relief assistance are IDPs based in evacuation centers. Delivery of relief assistance is dependent on security clearance from the AFP that will provide guidance about relative safety in travel and movement. Land transportation is vulnerable to being caught in crossfire and by attacks by private armed groups including the ASG. In some instances, relief is coursed through commercial sea transport.
7. Buffer stock is fast depleting as the relief providers are still struggling to complete a first round of delivery to IDPs in evacuation centers. Those that have provided initial assistance include the Sulu Provincial Government, the Representative for the Second Congressional District, NDCC, DSWD Provincial Office, GOP-UNMDP IDP Program/MEDCO, MIRD, ARMM, UNICEF, DOH, PNRC/ICRC and the Vicariate of Jolo.
8. The Principles of Conduct for Non-Government Humanitarian Agencies in Mindanao adopted by MERN conveners and members in July 2003 were also discussed and advocated to guide the conduct of relief aid in Sulu.
9. Distribution Mechanism. There are two main local distribution mechanisms in Sulu: the Provincial Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine National Red Cross. The MERN food and non-food packets will be turned over to and shipped by the ACC, which in turn will release this to the PNRC for distribution. The Red Cross is staffed by volunteers and will be reinforced by Tabang Mindanaw, the Vicariate of Sulu through the Social Development Ministry, and the Pagtabangan Sulu partners, as necessary.
10. Tabang Mindanaw is assessing and looking into the possibility of supplemental feeding for at least 1,000 children 10 years old and under in select evacuation centers for a duration of one month. Medical support through provision of multivitamins, iron tabs and anti scabies will be facilitated during the conduct of supplemental feeding. The Social Development Ministry of the Vicariate of Jolo will be the main implementing partner supported by Pagtabangan BaSulTa/Tabang Mindanaw volunteers.
11. Considering the protracted conflict and the serious problem of access to displaced victims, and lack of accurate information on the armed conflict, humanitarian aid remains to be critically and urgently needed especially as majority of the displaced families have no access to very basic facilities such as potable water and sanitary toilets, and continue to be trapped in very miserable situation.
Prepared by:
MILET B. MENDOZA
Executive Coordinator, Tabang MindanawCo-Convener, MERN
Member, Pagtabangan BaSulTa