Explosive violence in the Philippines

AOAV’s Explosive Violence Monitor, launched in October 2010, uses English-language media reports to capture information on the harm caused by explosive weapons around the world. This data is used by international organisations, researchers, journalists and advocacy groups to campaign for reduced civilian harm as a result of explosive violence.

Over the past decade (2014-2023), AOAV has recorded 399 incidents of explosive violence in the Philippines, resulting in 2,757 casualties, of which 60% (1,641) were reported as civilians. Civilian casualties include at least 121 children, 72 women and 31 men. Of the civilian casualties, 11% (186) were reported as killed.

The five most affected regions in terms of civilian harm as a result of explosive violence over the past decade are Sulu (228 civilian casualties), North Cotabato (166), Sultan Kudarat (165), Mindanao (155), and Maguidanao (153).

IEDs were the deadliest form of weapon, accounting for 47% (186) of all incidents recorded between 2014-2023, 63% of total civilian casualties (1,039), and 59% (110) of all civilians killed within the decade.

The majority of harm from explosive weapons use in the Philippines over the past decade was reportedly perpetrated by non-state actors, who account for 60% (240) of all incidents and caused 64% (1,058) of all civilian casualties, as well as 62% (115) of all civilians killed.