‘The threat still exists,’ mayor warns residents who want to return to Marawi

Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra (Photo from the Philippine Information Agency)

“Let’s not be hasty in acting,” Marawi Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra urged residents of the city who had been urging authorities to let them return to their homes.

In an interview with Radyo Inquirer on Tuesday, Gandamra said he had received proposals from residents and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) to return to the city, even with the go-signal from the military.

“Nandyan pa po ang threat,” Gandamra said. “Meron pa pong ongoing offensive. Kaya po tayo’y nakikiusap na pag-usapan po natin ang ating mga plano. Huwag po tayong magpadalus-dalos na magbigay ng aksyon.”

(“The threat still exists. There’s an ongoing offensive. So we are urging everyone to talk with us about their plans. Let’s not be hasty in acting”)

“Alam po nating gusto nating bumalik agad (We know we all want to return immediately),” he said. “But, of course, let us also consider the safety of our people.”

Marawi City Hall reopened for business on Monday, but “on a limited basis” because of the ongoing offensive between government forces and Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorist group.

Still, the mayor said, it would be unsafe for city officials and employees to report for work every day.

“Itong operation po ay on a limited basis,” he said. “Sa loob ng one week ay hindi po tuluy-tuloy. Pumupunta po kami sometimes three times a week.”

(“The operation is on a limited basis. It’s not continuous throughout the week. Sometimes we report to the office three times a week.”)

Meanwhile, he asked people outside the city for continued donations of food and other relief goods.

The city government, he added, would put up temporary shelters for affected residents. –Rogelio Nato Jr., INQUIRER.net intern /atm