Marawi still needs to be cleared before residents can return, says mayor

Despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration that Marawi City is now liberated from terrorists, its residents still cannot return to the war-torn area until after clearing operations are completed, Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra said on Tuesday afternoon.

Gandamra said it would still take two to three days before the conflict is completely over.

“We will be waiting for the signal from the military kung pwede na hong pumasok ‘yung mga kababayan. But first, kailangan muna nating i-cleanse, clearing operations in the war zone. Sa mga areas na hindi masyadong naapektuhan, we will allow our constituents to go back,” the Marawi City mayor said in an interview over ANC.

“One or 2 to 3 days ay maari na pong matapos ang kaguluhan dito. With the President’s declaration, I’m confident na matatapos na po itong gulo,” he added.

Aside from the devastated infrastructures and homes in the city, the local chief also said they have to focus on rehabilitating the “social dimension” of its residents.

“Hindi lang imprastruktura, pati social dimension ng pamumuhay dito sa Marawi City, ‘yan po ay isa sa ating gusto i-prioritize,” Gandamra said.

While efforts to engage the participation of residents and leaders of Marawi City are ongoing, the mayor stressed that a concrete program to address “violent extremism ideologies” in Mindanao should be established.

“Kailangan talaga ng programa to address this violent extremism itong mga ideology imported from foreign countries,” Gandamra said.

“Marami po tayong kabataan na naeengganyo ng mga teroristang ito, even in colleges and professionals. Hindi lang gobyerno ang gumawa ng hakbang kundi ating kababayan at leaders para pagtulungan ito,” he added.

Duterte, speaking before soldiers, earlier announced the liberation of the Marawi City from the ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby declare Marawi City liberated from the terrorist influence that marks the beginning of rehabilitation,” the President said. /je

READ: Duterte: Marawi City ‘liberated from terrorists’