Filipino artists express sympathy for Marawi, lament martial law declaration

By: Niña V. Guno - 8 years ago

Following a clash between the Maute group and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), people in Marawi have been subject to violence and terror.

The AFP has officially confirmed both sides experiencing injuries and casualties, while Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra confirmed reports of fires, a blackout and continuing gunshots.

The plight of civilians and troops has gripped the nation, with many taking to social media to follow the news or provide their own commentary.

Filipino artists, from the spheres of film, television, music and literature, voiced out their respective stands. Actress Anne Curtis, singer-model Matteo Guidicelli and beauty queen-actress Megan Young have voiced their concern:

Young also called for support for victims of the Manchester concert bombing, which took the lives of young children:

Besides showing support for troops, singer-songwriter Jim Paredes called for aid:

Bianca Gonzalez shared an important message on terrorism:

Maxene Magalona also chimed in on being united against terrorism:

Let us all keep praying.. Keep loving each other.. Keep being kind.. Because the moment we stop is the moment we let terrorism win. These are very, very difficult and painful times we live in. We need to stay strong. We need to keep fighting the good fight. We need to keep praying. 🙏🏼 #PrayForMarawi #PrayForManchester

A post shared by Maxene Magalona (@maxenemagalona) on

A lot also inevitably got political. Singer Leah Navarro and actress Agot Isidro criticized President Rodrigo Duterte when initially he decided to continue with his trip abroad to meet with Russian president and prime minister Vladimir Putin: 

Image: Screen grab via Facebook/@agotisidroofficial

Duterte has since cut his trip short, postponing talks with Russia. Navarro also defended those who were looking for Vice President Leni Robredo during President Duterte’s absence:

Vice President Robredo has been stripped away of certain roles, such as attending Cabinet meetings and chairing the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council. Robredo has been critical of Duterte’s alleged human rights violations, particularly those that reportedly stem from the war on drugs, and which have taken thousands of mostly poor Filipinos’ lives since the President took office.

Navarro also expressed support for troops and people in Marawi:

Image: Screen grab via Facebook/@Mochablogger

When others pointed out that she lambasted Robredo’s absence when a typhoon broke out in Bicol, Robredo’s hometown, she also responded to detractors:

Image: Screen grab via Facebook/@Mochablogger

Robredo was then on a family vacation in the U.S., but managed relief operations while she was abroad.

Uson also called for unity:    

Image: Screen grab via Facebook/@Mochablogger

Rock musician and Sandwich frontman Raymund Marasigan wrote about being brave in the face of terror: 

Prominent figures from the literary scene also took a stand on social media. Author Dean Francis Alfar lamented the recently declared martial law on Mindanao, stating that it was a repetition of history:

Image: Screen grab via Facebook/@dean.alfar

Author Ninotchka Rosca likewise condemned the martial law declaration:

Image: Screen grab via Facebook/@ninotchka.rosca

Meanwhile, President Duterte stands by his word on martial law which will last for at least 60 days. However, implementation of martial law is still up for approval in Congress. JB

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