NGO: Humanitarian efforts needed in Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Asia America Initiative (AAI), a private non-governmental organization, is coordinating efforts to give relief assistance to the victims of conflict brought about by the recent outbreak of hostilities in Mindanao. The AAI noted that during the past two weeks, 160,000 people have been displaced by a surge of armed conflict in Mindanao, particularly in the provinces of North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte. The AAI also noted that children under 12 years old comprise the largest percentage. "There is an urgent need not only to provide assistance to the growing number of displaced families," AAI Director Albert Santoli said Friday. Santoli said that in areas of Mindanao surrounding the conflict zones, it is imperative for farmers to receive seeds and fertilizers to plant rice in order to prevent severe food shortages in the coming months. This would create economic stability and the hope necessary to deter communal violence, according to Santoli. "Mindanao is at its hardest times, we should all work together to help our people," said AAI Philippines officer-in-charge Rohaniza Sumndad. This is the best time that we unite all our efforts," added Sumndad, who is from Lanao del Sur. – Sun.Star Zambo