Marawi struggles to recover a year after siege

IT WAS a year ago today, May 23, when fighting broke out between government forces and terrorists led by the Maute family in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, which resulted in the destruction of the city and mass exodus of thousands of residents there by the end of the year.

The clashes in Marawi City prompted President Rodrigo R. Duterte to declare martial law in the whole of Mindanao. The President also issued Administrative Order No. 03 creating an inter-agency task force for the rehabilitation of Marawi and other affected localities.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said in a press briefing on Tuesday morning that the Palace is “satisfied” with the ongoing rehabilitation of the city, noting that “70% of the residents” who evacuated have already gone back to their homes.

The spokesman likewise said Mr. Duterte is expected to visit Marawi for its first-year commemoration today.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Edgard A. Arevalo said in a televised interview on Tuesday that the military has cleared at least “85% of the unexploded ordnance” in the city.

For his part, Joint Task Force Ranao deputy commander Colonel Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. said in his interview with DZBB that “clearing operations are still ongoing.”

reported last Tuesday that the Swiss challenge period for Marawi’s rehabilitation has been scheduled to start “next week,” beginning “May 26.”

According to Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairman Eduardo D. del Rosario, the city’s rehabilitation is expected to cost “about P77 billion over a period of four years.” —