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BY PRINCE GOLEZ
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MANILA – The United Nations must look into the plight of thousands of civilians displaced by the conflict in Marawi City, according to Sen. Leila de Lima.
She urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to invite Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Cecilia Jimenez-Damary to investigate.
“Worrisome conditions” reportedly prevail in the affected areas in light of the extension of martial law in Mindanao, the senator said.
Jimenez-Damary may “verify these troubling complaints, assess the actual living conditions of the IDPs within and outside evacuation camps, and propose recommendations on how to improve such conditions,” said de Lima, a former Commission on Human Rights head.
Her visit may also help find remedial legislative measures that will address the “pressing humanitarian crisis” in Mindanao, de Lima said.
President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23 after the Maute terrorist group laid siege on Marawi.
Since then 351,168 people were displaced. Some 17,389 were in evacuation centers, a Department of Social Welfare and Development report showed.
Dead babies are buried every five days, rescued men are asked to strip their clothes and walk blindfolded and women share beds in a charity ward, de Lima said, citing what Ranao Rescue Team spokesperson Samira Gutoc-Tomawis shared during Congress’ joint session on July 22 to decide on the proposed extension of martial law.
De Lima also reminded the administration of its role to protect those who cannot care for and protect themselves./PN
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