UNICEF calls for urgent action over rising cases of children killed and injured by stray bullets in conflict-affected areas in BARMM

COTABATO CITY, 6 March 2026 — UNICEF is calling for urgent action to investigate and act on the rising cases of children being killed and injured by stray bullets in conflict-affected areas of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The latest shooting on 5 March resulted in the reported injury of a grade 8 student during an armed clash in the Municipality of Nabalawag, Special Geographic Area (SGA).  A 19-year-old senior high school student was killed in a separate incident in the same municipality a day earlier. On 12 February, a five-year old kindergarten pupil was also killed in Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur. These incidents totalled two deaths and one injured in the span of three weeks.

“We are saddened and worried about these repeated and deeply alarming tragedies. Violence against children, whether deliberate or circumstantial, should never be accepted,” said UNICEF Philippines Country Representative Kyungsun Kim.

UNICEF calls on all parties and the Bangsamoro Government to take concrete steps to respond and prevent further harm to children, ensure accountability, and strengthen measures that safeguard communities from armed violence.

Children have the right to survival, protection, and development. UNICEF reiterates its commitment to working with the Bangsamoro Government, national authorities, civil society organizations, communities, and children themselves to strengthen child protection systems and promote a safer environment for every Bangsamoro child.