“Humanitarian Pause" Declared in Marawi Operations

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (June 26, 2017) - Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff General Eduardo Año, in approving the recommendation of LTGen Carlito Galvez, Jr. who heads the Western Mindanao Command, declares a "Humanitarian Pause" in military operations in Marawi starting 6am to 2pm on Sunday (June 25), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the declaration seeks to allow the Islamic faithfuls to celebrate prayerfully and peacefully Eid al-Fitr which happen to fall on Sunday, June 25, 2017 in Marawi City, Philippines.

"We declare a lull in our current operations in the city on that day as a manifestation of our high respect to the Islamic faith.

"A testimony to the AFP's solid commitment to provide our brother Muslims especially in the City of Marawi an opportunity to observe this festive event marking the end of the month-long period of Ramadan.", says General Año.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the "Humanitarian Pause" in the AFP's offensive operations will only cover a halt in the employment of its capabilities during the inclusive period.

She further said that it will be lifted immediately if any of the following conditions occur:

(1) the security of our troops is jeopardized;

(2) the safety of civilians is threatened; and

(3) if the enemy starts shooting. At that point, our personnel may exercise their right to self-defense.