COTABATO CITY – Maranao evacuees, numbering to some 4,000, were recipients of a day-long medical and relief outreach mission by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Monday in Marawi City, the region’s information office reported.
The program, aptly called ARMM’s Peoples Day, also marked the return of thousands of displaced residents from Barangay Basak Malutlut, the site where the firefight broke out between government forces and the combined terror groups of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf last May 23.
Barangay Basak Malutlut has been cleared by military and police forces from unexploded bombs left behind by terrorists who have been wiped out by government troopers in a battle for the retaking of the city that lasted for five months.
Various booths from ARMM line agencies have been set up to provide appropriate services to returning Marawi City residents during the event.
A line of Philippine flags raised in poles also proudly fluttered in the air around the City Hall symbolizing the government’s successful campaign against the extremist Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups from May 23 to Oct. 23 this year.
“Despite our current situation, let us remember that a new opportunity can and will always present itself even in times of crisis,” ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman told the returning evacuees during a flag-raising ceremony held at the city hall grounds on Monday.
“This is not the time to blame each other for the things that have happened, but a time for us to work together towards rebuilding and rehabilitation,” Hataman added.
In his message, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, who expressed joy for the gradual return of his constituents in the locality, reminded everyone that there still much to be done and that unity is an obligation.
“I now ask everybody here to unite, to work and live for peace,” he said.
A symbolic prayer activity also highlighted Monday’s event in the city for its liberation from the Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorists.
This developed as 12 public schools in Marawi have resumed classes shortly after the liberation of the city from the clasp of the terrorists. The schools included Sultan Conding Elementary School, Sikap Elementary School, Cabingan Primary School, Banga Elementary School, Datu Tambak Elementary School, Rorogagus Elementary School, Bito Elementary School, Pendolonan Elementary School, Abdulazis Elementary School, Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School, Sugod Elementary School, and Mipaga Elementary School.
Rehabilitation efforts for schools damaged by the fighting are underway, so as to the psychological and social needs of the students.
The city of Marawi is the capital of Lanao del Sur, a province component of the ARMM. Other component areas of ARMM are the city of Lamitan and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and Basilan. (PNA)
