THE Salvation Army in The Philippines is providing support to people forced from their homes by terrorist groups known as Maute and Abu Sayyaf, which has links to Daesh. A priest and several churchgoers have been taken hostage by fighters in Marawi City, on the Philippine island of Mindanao, and thousands of residents have fled.
Many are seeking refuge in Iligan City, where members of the local Salvation Army corps (church) are now providing assistance. The City Social Welfare Department (CSWD) has provided some basics and found temporary accommodation for the displaced people but it is asking for other agencies and charities to help with longer-term care.
Working in partnership with the CSWD, The Salvation Army is putting together packs of essentials (water, rice, coffee, sugar, milk, sleeping mats and blankets) for 300 families – around 2,000 people. The packs will be distributed by volunteers. Funds for this project have already been supplied through The Salvation Army's International Headquarters.
With the president now having declared martial law on Mindanao and sent in troops to deal with the uprising, the situation remains volatile. Prayers are requested for the many people who have been caught up in the fighting, and for the continuing practical and spiritual comfort being offered by The Salvation Army and other groups.
Report by IHQ Communications
International Headquarters
