MANILA, Philippines — The Save the Children organization expressed concern on Saturday on the situation of children in Mindanao as it continues to record an increasing number of deaths, injuries, abductions, and sexual violence. ADVERTISEMENTAccording to lawyer Albert Muyot, chief executive officer of the organization in the Philippines, war and armed conflict greatly affect the future of children and these incidents end their childhood. Children have fragile bodies and minds making them vulnerable to the harm done by armed conflict,” Muyot said. Based on the “Save the War on Children” report of the group, at least 160,000 children were affected by the Marawi siege in 2017, when government forces clashed for months with members of the Maute group. ADVERTISEMENTGlobally, Save the Children organization stated in its report that at least 100,000 babies die every year due to armed conflict.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 16, 2019 03:22 UTC