Evacuees to be allowed to return to Marawi ‘safe zones’ but…

A place in Marawi City stands in ruins after all the fighting since May 23, 2017. (Photo taken by Zia Adiong, Lanao del Sur crisis management spokesperson)

MARAWI CITY — The military has announced it will allow residents to return to their respective homes in areas considered “safe zones” only to get vital documents amid the ongoing battle between troops and Islamic militants.

Lt. Col. Christopher Tampus, commander of the 1st Infantry Battalion, on Monday afternoon said the Army has identified areasinside the city where residents could go back to.

But residents must coordinate with members of the Task Force Ranao based in the provincial capitol, Tampus said.

“There are areas which we will allow civilians to return to get documents and other important belongings. (Retrieving) television sets and refrigerators are not allowed. I’m very sorry… please be patient. In due time, this will be over,” Tampus said.

The Army official said areas where gun battles have been going on would remain off-limits to civilians.

“Those who want to go to their house should get clearance from the Task Force Ranao,” he said, adding that the body would determine if the area is already safe for civilians.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, Task Force Marawi spokesperson, said they have been finalizing the preparation for the deployment of Army engineers for the rebuilding and reconstruction of Marawi City.

“In the coming days, we hope to show to the public the artist’s rendition of temporary shelters to be constructed consistent with the Maranao culture,” he said.  SFM