The fight has ended.
The sun rises once again in war-torn Marawi City, Philippines. Security officials finally declared the triumph against hundreds of pro-ISIS militants. According to the Philippine President’s spokesman, Ernesto Abella, the country has succeeded “the most serious threat of violent extremism and radicalism in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia”.
The so-called “Marawi Siege” started last May 23 as armed men stormed the city and erupted loud explosions and crashes. As of 11:30 pm, President Rodrigo Duterte, who was in Russia that day, proclaimed Martial Law in the whole region to prevent civil war. President Duterte and security analysts also claimed that the militants were attempting to establish a Southeast Asian caliphate or Islamic state in Marawi.
After a brutal five-month battle, the warfare has been put to an end.
According to CNN Philippines, all 1,780 hostages of the terrorists were successfully rescued by the military. The captives include church employees, carpenters, children, teachers, Christian residents, tribe members, and a Catholic priest. Victims who were “able-bodied” allegedly obliged to fight against the government forces based on a report done by the Deputy Commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi, Col. Romeo Brawner.
In addition to this, the authorities said confirmed that there were 920 militants, 165 troops and police killed during the fight that lasted for 154 days. Abella honored the brave fighters saying,”We commend government troops, including the fallen, for their courage, gallantry, and sacrifice. A snappy salute to all of you”.
Meanwhile,78 evacuation centers catered the needs of the 300,000 displaced citizens of the city.
ISIS Leaders Killed
Abu Sayyaf leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute of the extremists Maute-ISIS group were killed by the military during a firefight early Monday morning. He said the terrorists were trying to escape with the hostages when they were shot by government troops. Hapilon was hit in the chest area, while Maute was hit by a sniper in his head. Their presence was disclosed by a female hostage who eventually managed to escape.
“They were able to get a testimony from a hostage who was able to escape. She was able to confirm the presence of Isnilon and Maute in that particular building. That’s the building that we assaulted this morning. They are confirmed dead,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a press conference.
The President offered a ₱10 million bounty for the “neutralization” of Isnilon Hapilon who is known to be the anointed ISIS leader in Southeast Asia and ₱5 million for each of the Maute brothers.
Lorenzana also announced that the killing of 920 of the Maute militants which included foreign fighters and its top leaders has prevented the spread of extremism in Asia.
Residents restricted to go back home
Although the fight is over, military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said that the residents are prohibited to go back to their homes because the military has yet to inspect the areas of explosives and harmful equipment.
“This [tragedy]is something that we would not like to happen. That’s why we appeal for understanding among our Muslim brothers and sisters, as well as other displaced persons in Marawi. This warning is for your sake, so kindly understand,” Padilla said. “We appeal for your patience because we really need to clear the city of hazards first”.
In addition to this, Task Force Bangon Marawi is looking at either fixing the houses; demolishing then rebuilding them; or build new homes at a different location.
Task force spokesperson Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima said transitional homes will be provided for the 1,500 residents who applied for it. Applicants were to wait until December to finish the construction of the said houses
Rehabilitation
According to GMA News’ Joseph Morong, it would take up to ₱150 billion to “restore the structures of the besieged city of Marawi and to provide basic services, livelihood and shelter for almost 400,000 residents”.
Delfin Lorenzana stated that the government has spent ₱5 billion to fund to gain back Marawi from the militants.
The Filipino people from all over the country rejoiced after hearing the good news that the gruelling battle has finally come to an end.
Hopefully, peace and prosperity will continue reign throughout Marawi City — just like how it should be.
