Salvation Army provides help to people evacuated from Philippines conflict

THE Salvation Army in The Philippines is providing assistance to people evacuated because of fighting between government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILO) on Mindanao Island.

In one district, Midsayap, more than 1,000 families have been evacuated to temporary camps and some houses have been burned. In Aleosan more than 600 families have been evacuated.

Lieut-Colonel Graham Durston, Chief Secretary for The Salvation Army's Philippines Territory, says: 'We have distributed three large truckloads of relief supplies including sleeping mats and tents, food and blankets. We have coordinated our efforts with the Department of Social Work Development and have assisted 900 families.' The leader of the team reports: 'The people were so glad to see The Salvation Army and were reluctant to let the team leave. Although we could hear gunfire and bombs being dropped nearby we stayed with the people as long as we dared.'

Lieut-Colonel Durston says relief goods have been distributed in three camps and included toys for displaced children. Much more needs to be done but the mayor of Midsayap is so grateful for all The Salvation Army is trying to do that he treated the team to dinner!