SIX years after the siege of Marawi, the city is still recovering from the man-made devastation imposed on it by madmen espousing dubious political and religious ideas.
The Marawi City urban conflict occurred in May to October 2017 when the combined forces of the Maute Group, Abu Sayyaf Group led by Isnilon Hapilon, and supported by foreign jihadists linked to the Islamic State swooped down on the city to control it. Then President Rodrigo Duterte had to cut short his trip to Moscow to deal with the crisis.
Considering that this disaster is man-made and therefore preventable, unlike earthquakes, the catastrophe in this thriving and scenic city in Mindanao has become even more hurting for residents, soldiers, government officials and the general public. Imagine losing the lives of 168 soldiers, 924 Islamic State-linked extremists, and 114 civilians in 20 weeks of fighting, aside from the millions of pesos spent by the government in this urban conflict. At least 88 individuals were also reported missing by their relatives.
‘… while they are not particularly concerned about the infiltration or sleepers within the Afghan refugee group, they are wary of another attack just like Marawi because extremists are still among residents of Muslim communities in the South.’
The problems engendered by the Marawi siege did not end in October 2017, because the tragedy resulted in the massive displacement of whole communities. The Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan reported that 369,196 individuals were displaced by the crisis.
It is concerning to recall these details in the wake of a statement made in the Senate last week that there were indications that the Maute sympathizers are “regrouping and growing in number.” The statement was made by National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) chief of staff Manggay Guro Jr., which alarmed Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who was chief of the Philippine National Police when the Marawi incident happened.
“Just recently this Wednesday an incident happened in Marawi, again, concerning the same group who caused the Marawi siege. So, apparently, they are regrouping and they’re growing in numbers because of the continuous problems in Marawi that, up until now, most of those affected by the Marawi siege have not returned to their homeland or to their homes,” said Guro.
Senator Dela Rosa said regrouping and consolidation may happen as these militants are extremists; they would just lay low and attack again. The senator urged both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP to take proactive measures to thwart any possible resurgence of attacks.
The topic of Marawi was brought to the fore anew because of the United States’ plan to use the Philippines as a clearing house for Afghan refugees in transit to the US. Many Filipinos, including Muslims, have opposed the idea because of security and logistical issues. This prodded Sen. Imee Marcos, chair of the Senate committee on foreign affairs, to conduct a public hearing on the matter.
Guro said while they are not particularly concerned about the infiltration or sleepers within the Afghan refugee group, they are wary of another attack just like Marawi because extremists are still among residents of Muslim communities in the South.
These concerns of the NCMF leaders should be considered in making the right decision on the US request for the Philippines to accommodate their Afghan dregs of war.
