2020 Annual Report on the Human Rights Situation in the Philippines 43 134 It was also observed that the untimely spread of COVID-19 further delayed scheduled activities such as completion of housing construction, raffle and turnover of housing units, water, and electrical connection. Target completion of Yolanda permanent housing project construction by June 2020 was not achieved. With these prevailing issues, internally displaced persons or communities repeatedly face danger by continuing to live in danger zones when natural calamities strike (e.g. Typhoon Ambo, Typhoon Tisoy and Typhoon Ursula) in the region. The validation of qualified housing beneficiaries to be awarded in Tacloban City has been on-going. Cross-checking is made by the City Government and NHA to ensure that only qualified beneficiaries will be awarded a permanent housing unit. 135 In the case of IDPs in Region IX, they have suffered the aftermath of the armed conflict that erupted between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and government forces on 9 September 2013. Up until now, the IDPs faced issues relative to lack of water supply, shelter and health; lack of information and assistance; and being prone to certain structural risks. The IDPs usually get their water through a host extension in the neighboring community. Walls and roofing of single detached units are mostly already damaged. Latrines and bathing areas mostly practiced inside their house as a result of open defecation. Poor hygiene and sanitation also pose a major problem as the same leads to serious health concerns. During the pandemic, IDPs also fear going out to seek medical consultation. Due to the restrictions brought about by the health protocols, they also suffer from lack of access to assistance and livelihood. CHR Region IX through its IDP monitor, is in constant communication with the local government and local agencies and actively participates in Local Interagency Committee (LIAC) meetings and in relief distribution.183 184 185 136 Due to the movement restrictions, the livelihood of some IDPs are badly affected because of COVID-19. The government is also urged to provide sustainable livelihood assistance to IDPs, especially those in camp-like settings.186 137 People affected by humanitarian crises are often challenged with specific vulnerabilities, such as lack of adequate food and potable water, dismal housing arrangements, and threats to safety and security. The implementation of community quarantine and lockdown limits the mobility of IDPs even more, thus the need for specific protocols that would address the needs of IDPs, i.e., securing permits from the host barangay/municipality for their movement when they need to buy necessities.187 There were also reports on nonprioritization of IDPs in the distribution of COVID-19 Relief Assistance. Some IDPs from Marawi who were staying in nearby municipalities were allegedly excluded in the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) due to their ethnicity. Further, they were also told that they will not be provided with said financial assistance as they were not part of the census in the locality. “The CHRP also recommends proper coordination with the local governments to arrange a safe and effective mass transport for IDPs who wish to return to their respective provinces. 138 Thousands of IDPs affected by the Marawi Siege in 2017 and Zamboanga Siege in 2013 are still staying in transitory sites with poor living conditions. Displaced families in housing units in Tacloban City still face issues on access to potable water and own water 183 CHR VIII (2021, Jan 25). Regional Human Rights Situation Report July-December 2020, pp. 25. 184 CHR IX (2021). 2020 CHR 9 Human Rights Situation Report, p. 5. 185 CHR Region XI (2021, Jan 28). Regional Human Rights Situation Report July 2020 to December 2020, pp. 8. 186 CHR Region X IDP Protection Monitoring: Monitoring on COVID 19 Iligan City and Marawi City – Lanao del Sur and For the Month of December 2020 187 Commission on Human Rights, Human Rights Standards on the Protection of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)