Philippines
An island contaminated by explosive ordnance
The island of Mindanao, in the south of the Philippines, and in particular the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), has been affected by decades of conflict between various armed groups and the Philippine government. These clashes have left behind numerous unexploded or abandoned ordnance, which continue to threaten the lives of local communities. Some of these munitions are also reused by armed groups to make improvised explosive devices, posing a major danger to local populations.
Most of the victims are children because they don’t know the risks and dangers of the UXO.
Non-technical survey team member for FSD
Preventing accidents and supporting peace
To reduce accidents, FSD conducts risk education sessions on explosive hazards in villages affected by the conflict and works to integrate these messages into the school curriculum. At the same time, our teams carry out surveys in areas suspected of being contaminated by unexploded ordnance or improvised mines. When the presence of explosives is confirmed, FSD facilitates the intervention of the Philippine armed forces to neutralise them. During these operations in 2024, 49 survivors of accidental explosions, including many children, were identified and referred for medical care and psychosocial support.
Beyond immediate safety, FSD uses mine action as a tool to support the peace process. By working together on humanitarian demining operations, former combatants learn to collaborate and rebuild trust, while contributing to the security of local communities. To strengthen coordination and effectiveness in mine action, FSD also supports the establishment of a regional demining operations centre on the island.
Toward a lasting peace
FSD’s work in Mindanao has helped reduce the risks posed by explosive hazards to local communities by educating children and adults and referring survivors to appropriate care. By promoting collaboration between former combatants and supporting the establishment of a regional demining centre, this project also contributes to strengthening security and laying the foundations for a lasting peace on the island.
In 2024, FSD’s programme in the Philippines was supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, the City of Geneva, and private donors.
