Marawi and a year

"And Say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge." – Quran 20:114

AT FIRST, it was in a moment of disbelief. For real? Aren't the videos faked? Was that really in Marawi? Then hours passed and the newsfeeds and breaking news stories begun to flood inevitably. That was it. War broke out.

Days later, we see neighboring cities and towns almost in a lockdown, the public were told to be vigilant, and the streets were swarmed with police and military personnel.

Some engagements or activities were postponed, more so in the declaration of martial law throughout Mindanao. There were reported losses, not only lives but profits as well.

It can be the longest year, an event that felt like it took eternity. The siege in Marawi City is now part of Mindanao's history, among other narratives of armed conflicts that devastated the island before it. A year later: more questions remain unanswered.

Government and non-government groups have been tasked for the recovery of the devastated city that was turned to ashes when state forces dropped bombs from planes, in order to weed out the local armed groups inspired with Islamic State leanings, and was a shame that they had to use Islam for their twisted political beliefs.

Many have shared their thoughts from different spectrum. Needless to say, many have thought of what they think would be best for Marawi, during and after the siege.

You must have heard already different stories, different voices; let alone different organizations sprouted out of this whole conflict situation, but a year later, Marawi and the people mostly affected have yet to rebuild their homes.

We ask: what happened?

A year later, we saw challenges.

Not only did it trigger an open space for debate, but it highlighted crucial gray areas on governance and cultural disparities. It is up to this point we ask: are we even capable of organizing ourselves better with no taint of malice, corruption, and politics?

A year passed, and it is clear that there were still different voices trying to be relevant and dominant in shaping the course on Marawi rehabilitation. While security matters are at par important to avoid its repetition, moving forward on achieving sustainable future for the people most affected are as equally as a necessity.

We remember the lives lost in this unnecessary conflict. We remember the bravery of the soldiers. We remember martial law, as it is still in effect. And we remember the accountability of those who should be held accountable, especially those who took advantage of the plight of Marawi City and its people. It is far from over.