COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — Local and regional authorities are racing against time to prevent a potential humanitarian catastrophe in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as severe flooding continues to displace tens of thousands of residents across Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and other nearby provinces.
The Climate Conflict Action Asia (CCAA) warned over the weekend that the situation could escalate into a “full-blown humanitarian crisis” without immediate and coordinated intervention. The group highlighted the fragile security landscape in Maguindanao del Sur, already rife with political conflict and armed groups, as a major concern that could exacerbate the effects of the disaster.
Authorities from the BARMM government, in cooperation with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and local government units, are stepping up efforts to address the worsening crisis. As of Saturday, OCD-BARMM reported that 53,214 families, or approximately 266,070 individuals, have been affected by flooding in 140 barangays across 14 towns in Maguindanao del Sur and parts of Maguindanao del Norte. Additional flash floods were also recorded in Basilan and Sulu provinces.
“We are actively coordinating with military units and local disaster teams for aerial surveys and relief operations,” said OCD-BARMM Regional Director Joel Mamon, who conducted an aerial assessment with Col. Caezar Pascua of the Tactical Operations Group. He noted that the Liguasan Marsh, which functions as a massive catch basin for floodwaters from South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, has significantly contributed to the overflow into low-lying towns.
Despite ongoing aid distribution from the Bangsamoro government, authorities emphasized that more assistance is urgently needed, particularly in food relief, shelter support, and long-term recovery for farming communities whose rice paddies, cornfields, and fishponds have been devastated.
Emergency Hotlines for Affected Residents
In light of the widespread devastation, local government units and BARMM agencies have activated emergency hotlines and support centers:
- BARMM Rapid Emergency Response Hotline: 0917-840-1793 / 0951-259-3676
- OCD-BARMM Emergency Operations Center: (064) 421-1253
- Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office – Maguindanao del Sur: 0961-420-0088
- BARMM Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) Hotline: 0935-298-3141
- PNP Emergency Assistance – Maguindanao Region: 0998-598-7457
Residents are urged to stay in close contact with barangay officials and evacuation center personnel and to immediately report missing persons, critical health concerns, or security incidents through these hotlines.
Security and Social Stability at Risk
The CCAA has raised concerns over the growing risk of armed recruitment and illicit activities in the region, as flooding compromises security checkpoints and deprives many of their livelihoods. “The combination of disaster-driven displacement and political instability creates a breeding ground for further violence if not addressed with urgency,” the group stated.
Authorities are monitoring for any signs of increased movement by illegal groups through the flooded Liguasan Marsh, where boats are now being used to bypass traditional road checkpoints.
In Sultan Kudarat province, the tragedy has already claimed lives. Three individuals — a mother, her daughter, and another child — drowned in separate incidents on Friday, underscoring the immediate danger still present in many communities.
Ongoing Response and Call for National Support
The Bangsamoro government continues to deliver food packs, hygiene kits, and temporary shelters, but regional leaders are appealing to national agencies and humanitarian organizations for sustained support. With thousands of hectares of farmland submerged and schools like the Rebokon Agricultural and Vocational High School in Zamboanga del Sur rendered inaccessible, long-term rehabilitation is expected to be both costly and complex.
Officials assure the public that all available resources are being mobilized, and the response will continue to scale up as needs evolve.
For those who wish to send aid or volunteer, coordination is being handled through the BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Government and the regional offices of the Philippine Red Cross.
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