Maguindanao province (2009)
Below are pictures of a mission I undertook in May 2009 in Maguindanao. This province, located on the southern island of Mindanao, is prone to chronic violence caused by recurrent episodes of fighting between the Philippine Armed Forces and various Muslim non-state armed groups, in particular the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Other sources of violence include clan feuds and activities of criminal groups.
People regularly flee their homes as a result of the violence and they usually return as soon as violence subsides. While the majority take refuge with friends and family, large number of people have no other choice than taking shelter in overcrowded camps, called evacuation centres, where access to basic services is very limited.
Datu Piang municipality
Datu Odin Sinsuat municipality
Cotabato City