Bringing Marawi back to life
It's been a year since the start of what is being called "The Battle of Marawi," where members of the Maute terrorist group and other militants attacked and laid siege to the Muslim city. Different groups remembered in their own way the start of the battle that ruined their lives. After five months of fighting, Marawi was practically unrecognizable. At present, many have not been allowed to return to their homes, if they even exist, as the military continues to sweep the area for nasty surprises the fleeing terrorists may have left for them. That notwithstanding, the Marawi "bakwits" are raring to go home. Life is neither easy nor pleasant in evacuation centers, let alone living there for a year.
The task at hand is rehabilitation, which the people of Marawi have heard quite often. But notwithstanding all the financial pledges made by this group and that, nothing has really been started. Last Wednesday, the House Committee on Muslim Affairs took the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) to task, pun intended, as to why there seems to be no concrete plans for Marawi's rehabilitation and infrastructure, particularly in the most affected area, if their estimated budget run into more than P17 billion. The proposed plan of TFBM to build structures such as a cultural center, promenade, and plaza were questioned since, according to some congressman, there is no place for structures like that anywhere in Marawi. Anyone on the ground would know this, unless residents would lose their property because of these structures, something the lawmakers frowned upon. The TBFM stated that no resident would lose their land. Let's hope so. Plans seem to be good on paper, but no details are provided as to how to implement them. Billions in aid are being readied for the gargantuan task of bringing Marawi back to life. Are these billions being eyed by those with other nefarious intentions?
The military also has a protracted presence in the city. I can understand the military clearing the place of bombs and mines, even unexploded ordnance, but the idea of a military camp being set up in Marawi did not sit well with local officials. The military does have a lot to learn from the siege. But to set up camp to thwart future plans of terrorists may be an issue all its own.
Residents are also asking for financial help, not just for infrastructure. Many have lost their homes. Will the government help them rebuild their homes? Another issue is who will take part in the rehabilitation, after news that two companies from China willing to take part have been blacklisted by the World Bank. According to the Palace, they will still be involved since the Philippines wasn't the one who blacklisted them. That statement follows the reasoning that a convicted rapist will still be allowed to date your daughter, since he was convicted in another country. These are just some of the obstacles to the start of rehabilitation, which the residents of Marawi have been hearing of again and again. The city was liberated last October. Eight months have passed. We should have more hearings, both by the House and Senate, on Marawi's vaunted rehabilitation, if only to get things going.