The much-awaited implementation of a peace deal that could usher in a new era of stability and development in southern Philippines is at risk of being derailed after a bloody clash between rebel groups and members of the Philippine National Police which resulted in more than 60 deaths. The majority of the casualties were members of a special police unit engaged in a counterterrorism raid in Muslim-dominated Maguindanao province on the island of Mindanao.
Development donors and implementers said that while the tragic incident may have an effect in terms of how they operate in the conflict-ridden areas in southern Philippines, the event should and will not hamper their long-term commitment to the region and the country’s development progress.
“The short answer is that our programs are affected by the incident, not because it causes us to avoid the area but rather because the tragedy itself and the varied reactions to it form part of the environment in which we work,” Steven Rood, country director and regional adviser for local governance at The Asia Foundation, told Devex.
About the author
Lean Alfred Santos@DevexLeanAS
Lean Alfred Santos is a former Devex development reporter focusing on the development community in Asia-Pacific, including major players such as the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. He previously covered Philippine and international business and economic news, sports and politics.