UNITED NATIONS, Aug 12: The United Nations said on Tuesday it was alarmed by the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the southern Philippines after days of heavy fighting and called for protection of all civilians and access for humanitarian aid delivery.

“The (UN) Secretary General is concerned about the unfolding humanitarian crisis as a result of fighting in central Mindanao, an area which has already been affected by conflict for several decades,” the office said in a statement.

It noted that almost 130,000 civilians have reportedly been displaced in the past days, and many of them are at risk of losing their lives and livelihoods.

Ban, who is on a two-week vacation, “appeals for restraint, protection of all civilians as well as access for the provision of speedy humanitarian assistance to the affected population,” the statement noted.

In the Philippines, officials said earlier on Tuesday that Muslim rebels have begun withdrawing from positions in the south of the country after days of heavy fighting as relief agencies ferry in food to avert a humanitarian crisis among the thousands who have fled the violence.

Security forces said Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels began withdrawing from villages and towns in North Cotabato province on the southern island of Mindanao mid morning on Tuesday, torching property and planting mines.

The military said at least 27 rebels were killed and nine wounded with one soldier dead and 12 wounded. —AFP