Casualties Overview

In 2011, the Monitor identified 34 casualties from explosive remnants of war (ERW) and victim-activated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Philippines.[1] All casualties were male where the sex of the casualty was known.[2] The majority (19) were civilians, including 14 children. Fifteen members of the security forces were injured by victim-activated IEDs.

The 2011 data represents an increase from the single casualty identified in 2010[3] and the 16 casualties recorded in 2009. This increase can be attributed in part to clearer reporting of device types and improved efforts to differentiate incidents caused by victim-activated and command-activated devices in 2011.

In addition to these casualties, the Monitor identified 54 casualties (10 killed, 44 injured) involving suspected command-detonated devices. Most of these incidents resulted in casualties among security forces, either from the explosion itself or subsequent small-arms fire, giving a strong indication that these were ambushes targeting soldiers and police forces.

Since 1999, 496 casualties have been identified from mines, ERW, and victim-activated IEDs (180 killed; 315 injured; one of unknown status).[4]

Victim Assistance

At least 315 mine/ERW survivors have been identified through media monitoring.[5]

According to the government’s National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), there was “no specific program or even database for mine casualties, victims or survivors, because mine warfare is not common in the Philippines.”[6] In 2011, the House of Representatives established a special Committee on People with Disabilities with authority over all issues related to policies to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. [7]

During 2011, the Davao Jubilee Rehabilitation Center established a referral and follow-up system for amputees working with local authorities to improve access to physical rehabilitation services. The ICRC continued to support the Davao Center as the only affordable service provider on Mindanao Island.[8] The ICRC also provided medical supplies and equipment to 24 hospitals in Mindanao to increase their capacities to treat emergency cases, including for mine/ERW casualties and those wounded by other weapons.[9]

The law prohibited discrimination against persons with disabilities and provided for equal access for persons with disabilities to all public buildings, but implementation was ineffective and many physical barriers remained.[10]

The Philippines ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 15 April 2008.