ICC Note: As reports of the battle between the Philippine military and militants belonging to radical Islamist seperatist groups in the Southern Philippines begin to die down the scale of the humanitarian crisis caused by the violence begins to emerge. According to Asia News more than 200,000 have fled the conflict, which centered around Zamboanga City on the island of Mindanao. For years Muslims insurgents have been fighting for independence from the pre-dominantly Christian population of the Philippines, though over the past two decades radical extremists, including the group Abu Sayyaf, have become more involved in acts of terror, including the kidnapping of Christian missionaries and priests. 
10/2/2013 The Philippines (UCANews) –  The National Secretariat for Justice and Peace ( Nassa ) of the Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines ( CBCP ) has launched an appeal for humanitarian assistance for the population of Zamboanga , affected by the war between the army and Islamic rebel Moro National Liberation Front ( MNLF ) . Catholic leaders are organizing new peace initiatives including moments of prayer, fasting and silent vigils like the one that took place yesterday in Mindanao .
However, the death toll continues to grow, with little hope for a truce. Since the beginning of the military operations against the MNLF, on September 9 , the area has been virtually paralyzed and its people live in a state of fear . To date, the number of dead in Zamboanga has risen to 140 , mostly among the militia , while the wounded exceed 300 , at least 200 thousand refugees are fleeing the war , of a total population of about 800 thousand people.
Yesterday NASSA officials have launched the fundraising campaign to support the local population through its offices in the territories across the area of conflict and engaged partners to help distribute aid within shelters. Since the beginning of the conflict, the Catholic movement has sent 100 thousand pesos (just over $ 2,300 ) to the Archdiocese of Zamboanga , to be distributed to families who are victims of war. In addition, some dioceses have sent truckloads of clothes, basic necessities and rice, as confirmed by the NASSA President and auxiliary bishop of Manila, Msgr. Broderick Pabillo . However, the demand is growing and supplies are used for at least six months.
“We appeal for your help” Msgr. Pabillo urged the faithful, “to support the aid of the Church and so that, all together, we can bring the message of peace and love to our brothers and sisters in need .” The prelate added that “children in particular” are suffering from the conflict , the prey of ” disease and inadequate nutrition ” , like vegetables which “are not available in supermarkets .”
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