Dialogue, not armed groups, best way to air grievances

MANILA — Demands and grievances are better expressed through proper channels, the Palace said yesterday as it continues to verify reports of a new armed group in Marawi City.

"The government, through the military, is still verifying the veracity of the video posted online on the existence of a new armed group called Meranaw Victims Movement. The government does not tolerate the formation of armed groups to seek redress for grievances of citizens," Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

"Also, demands from government are better made through dialogues and consultation with various stakeholders," he said.

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, director of the Regional Police Office-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said Thursday that they are now verifying the background of the people behind the appearance of the MVM with the help of civilian informants in Marawi City.

Sindac said he has directed the chief of the Marawi City police, Superintendent Ebra Moxsir, an Islamic theologian, to enlist the help of religious leaders in the ongoing probe.

“Our efforts are being done in coordination with our military counterparts there in Marawi City and in Lanao del Sur,” Sindac said.

Evacuees from Marawi City told reporters Thursday that they are convinced the small group is merely emphasizing their demand for authorities to let them return to their abandoned homes, where conditions could be better than in evacuation centers.

Some groups have also been urging for an end to government airstrikes in Marawi City to enable internally-displaced people to salvage whatever is left in their houses, many of which have been flattened by bombs or destroyed in the fighting.