Humanitarian response to conflict in Mindanao

Today I announce that the Australian Government is providing humanitarian assistance to civilians displaced by the conflict in Marawi City in the southern Philippines.

The Australian Government is providing food and other supplies valued at $920,000 to help meet the urgent needs of more than 320,000 displaced people.

Our support includes the provision of tarpaulins, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, and water and sanitation kits through the Philippine Red Cross to assist 1000 displaced families.

We are providing over 500 tonnes of pre-positioned rice through the World Food Programme, which will help feed 60,000 children over the next three months.

We are also providing hygiene items, torches and whistles for protection, sanitary supplies and clothes, and clean birthing kits through the United Nations Population Fund, to assist over 6,400 women and girls.

This assistance is in addition to the package of support for the peace process and education in Mindanao that I announced when I visited in March 2017.

The Government is committed to supporting the peace process and development in Mindanao, which are critical for a strong and stable Philippines.

The Australian Government continues to work with the Philippine Government to combat terrorism in our region.