Marawi and Cotabato City are located on the island of Mindanao in the south of the Philippines. The predominantly Muslim population lives in the crossfire of conflict between rival militant and terrorist groups.
In 2017, a siege began and everyone's life changed in an instant.
For 5 months, militant and government forces fought, destroying thousands of homes, businesses and infrastructure. Up to 360,000 people were forced to flee to neighbouring regions. Four years on, many families still can not return home and live in Internally Displaced Population (IDP) settlements.
A lack of security, health, food and education mean children are highly vulnerable to recruitment offers by militant groups. Childhood Rescue's will help children build their futures through education, health and peace building.
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Terrorist and militant behaviour undermine social stability and children's futures
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Terrorist attacks and kidnappings are common in the region
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Natural disasters cause significant difficulties for families in the region
