Ulama Council, government authorities convene in Marawi City

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (July 25, 2017) - Members of the Ranaw Ulama-Leaders Conference and high-ranking, government officials convened in the City of Marawi to discuss the considerations submitted by the former in connection with the declaration of certain areas in the city as cleared from the presence of the Daesh-inspired local terrorist group and the operations of key establishments and offices there.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the Ranaw Ulama, in its manifesto, proposed its inclusion, as member of the sub-committees, in the Task Force Bangon Marawi. The council further recommended the return of the residents to their respective homes and the opening of roads, particularly along Rorogagus-Guimba-Maliwanag-Ramain in Lanao del Sur and Bito-Capitol Complex-Awar Street-Amai Pakpak Avenue-Marantao.

Cpt Petinglay said that the council also sought to enjoin the operation of schools, government agencies and offices, and private establishments in the city, particularly the Marawi State University, after they be declared safe and cleared. Also requested by the group were the immediate burial of the deceased and the prompt investigation of abuses and violations of any party in the proper forum.

Dubbed as, “I will be back, Wait for Me, Marawi,” said convention started at 9am in the City of Iligan and ended at around 2 in the afternoon.

Present during the said convention were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana; OPAPP Undersecretary Diosita Andot; Office of the Presidential Adviser for the OFW Abdullah Mamao; Secretary of the Mindanao Development Authority Datu Abul Khayr Alonto; Undersecretary for Defense Operations of the Department of National Defense Undersecretary Cesar Yano; Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command; Congressman Mauyag Papandayan, 2nd district; Datu Bangcola Adtha, Sultan sa Rogan, Secretary General of the Royal House; Doctor Ali Laguindab, representing the professional sector; Secretary Guiling Mamondiong of the TESDA; former Marawi Councilor Anwar Marabu; Alim Sarangani, representing the religious sector; and Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan, BDA MILF Chairman; the Ranao Rescue Group; Ranao Ulamah Leaders; and other non-government groups.

Cpt Petinglay further said that the highlight of the forum was a dialogue between the representatives of the different sectors airing their grievances and concerns and the government represented by Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, also the Martial Law administrator answering their inquiries and taking in their concerns and recommendations. Majority of the speakers expressed their intent to go back to their homes stressing that their lives right at the moment is unimaginably difficult.

In his part, the Sec Lorenzana patiently explained to the attendees that it is not yet possible for the Government to allow them to go back to their homes since the fighting in Marawi is still intense.

Just on Saturday (July 22), 9 soldiers got killed and 26 others were wounded during an intense whole day of fighting in downtown Marawi.

"We want you to go back to your homes, but we cannot be sure when, as of the moment," said Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

"Human lives are precious for us, that is why we want to make sure that by the time you return to your homes, you will already be safe."

Sec Lorenzana also told the attendees not to blame the Martial Law Declaration for causing the evacuation of the people because with or without the declaration, surely people will evacuate when the fighting started.

"We do not want this war to prolong, and please understand that we did not ask for this either," added Sec Lorenzana.

Attending also the conference was the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Cpt Petinglay added.

"We hope you will understand that we are fighting a different kind of enemy," said the WestMinCom Chief.

"Your soldiers die every day and are making sacrifices just to liberate Marawi from terror."

"Your soldiers are fighting not for Marawi alone but for the entire country against these animals who wish to disrupt our normal way of life."

"We need you to understand the situation, we need you to have more patience," LtGen Galvez adds.

The meeting ended with group agreeing to postpone the "rally" sometime after the State of the Nation Address of the President which was scheduled on Monday (July 24). The schedule of the symbolic march will be agreed by parties after the SONA of PRRD.