Philippines
In the Philippines, FSD educates the local populations of the risks of explosive ordnance on the island of Mindanao and supports the ongoing peace process through mine action.
A farmer points out the location of an improvised mine to a member of FSD survey team (Philippines, 2019)
Context
Mindanao Island, in the south of the Philippines, has known decades of conflicts between different rebel groups and the Philippine government. Each period of conflict has left behind unexploded or abandoned ammunition, putting in danger the lives of the inhabitants of the region.
Following several peace agreements between rebel groups and the government, the movement of the region towards autonomy accelerated.
In this context, FSD was encouraged to develop a mine action programme implying the collaboration of all parties to the peace agreement, in order to restore trust between them.
We were told that a 9 years old child found a mortar shell close to the lake and brought it back home to play with it
Merlene Usman-Degay
Community Liaison Officer for FSD in the Philippines
FSD in Philippines
FSD began working in Mindanao in support of the peace process in 2005, providing technical expertise to the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
In 2007, in partnership with the Philippines Campaign to Ban Landmines, FSD proposed the establishment of a mine action programme to improve the security of the population, support reconstruction and build confidence in the peace process. On 5 May 2010, the Philippine government and the MILF signed a peace agreement for the implementation of this project.
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FSD volunteers
Our activities
Our humanitarian programmes focus on four main areas.
Mine action
FSD locates and clears mines and unexploded ordnance, provides explosive ordnance risk education and assists survivors of accidental explosions.
Recovery & stability
FSD supports ongoing peace processes in various countries and provides socio-economic support to communities.
Environment
FSD remediates sites contaminated by toxic pollutants inherited from the past and act to promote biodiversity and resilience to face climate change.
Innovation & technology
FSD collaborates on research projects aiming to put new technologies, such as drones, at the service of mine action.
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