Philippines military block relief supplies
Updated
The Philippine military and foreign and local relief agencies are discussing ways to effectively bring relief supplies to southern villagers, after safety fears prompted the military to block relief supplies this week.
Almost 400,000 people have been displaced in the south, following village attacks by Muslim separatists and gunbattles with security forces.
Our reporter in Manila, Shirley Escalante, says military officials have defended their decision to prevent a United Nations convoy carrying food packs for villagers in Lanao del Norte province.
General Antonio Supnet says the situation in some areas in the province is volatile following attacks by the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Intelligence reports say the rebels plan to kidnap aid workers, especially foreigners, and security officials say they could not guarantee the safety of workers.
The UN convoy which was bringing food to at least 400 families was stopped at a military checkpoint in Lanao del Norte and was not allowed to proceed to remote villages.
A local UN representative says the Philippine Army could be violating the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.
