The military has implemented a “fishing lockdown” in Lanao Lake amid reports that armed supporters of the Maute terrorist group were using the body of water to enter Marawi City.
Fishing in the area has been prohibited from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The lake, at 340 square kilometers, is roughly twice the size of Quezon City.
“We are asking the help of the mayors and their constituents to address this issue, especially people who enter or leave towns around the lake,” Task Force Marawi spokesperson Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay said.
For her part, Senator Grace Poe urged the government to focus on the welfare of thousands of locals displaced by the conflict in Marawi City as she pushed for legislation to protect internally displaced persons.
Poe has filed Senate Bill No. 1513 or the proposed Rights of Internally Displaced Persons Act to ensure that IDPS are accorded the human dignity they deserve.
“IDPs are not specially protected under international law. Reports submitted to the United Nation Economic and Social Council on this topic state that while existing law covers many aspects of particular relevance to internally displaced persons, there remain areas in which the law fails to provide sufficient protection for them,” she said.
The measure seeks to protect the human rights of IDPs in situations caused by natural or human-made hazards or disasters, armed conflicts, generalized or organized violence and clan wars.
It also seeks the implementation of development projects and provides access to basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing as well as and health and education services.
Under the bill, IDPs shall also enjoy freedom of movement and protection against forcible return or resettlement in any place where their lives, safety, liberty and health will be at risk.
IDPs shall also have the right to political participation, and to be entitled to claim and be awarded civil damages from any public officer or employee, or any private person, who directly or indirectly violate their rights and liberties.