Displaced people in Lanao del Norte.

The conflict in Mindanao has displaced thousands from their homes and villages. Over the past few years, the ICRC has been assisting up to 100,000 of these displaced people per year. But this is different. In just the two weeks following the resumption of hostilities in August, thousands took to the roads at once. In the past, displacement usually lasted only a few days. This time, some people have spent weeks away from home, leaving their fields unattended.

Seven to eight teams made up of ICRC and Philippine Red Cross staff are in the field every day, working in coordination with the armed forces and local authorities. They first assess the needs of the displaced people and then distribute aid within days.