Unresolved Issues in Marawi City Hinder Lasting Peace
Eight years after the deadly siege, unresolved issues in Marawi City continue to block progress toward lasting peace in the southern Philippines. The ongoing challenges faced by both the government and local residents have made recovery a slow and difficult process. According to humanitarian sources familiar with the situation, about 8,200 families still live in temporary shelters that were never intended to be permanent homes. These displaced families now struggle with paying rent and dealing with irregular access to clean water, which adds to their daily hardships.
The prolonged displacement and limited government assistance remain significant hurdles. Many families also seek closure regarding their missing loved ones, who disappeared during the conflict. This ongoing uncertainty has prolonged their emotional suffering.
Background of the Marawi Siege and Its Aftermath
Marawi City was besieged on May 23, 2017, when violent extremist groups, including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups aligned with ISIS affiliates, launched attacks. The urban battle lasted five months, resulting in over 900 militant deaths, 168 government troops killed, and 87 civilians lost. The conflict displaced approximately 1.1 million people. The siege ended on October 23, 2017, shortly after the deaths of key extremist leaders.
Since then, the national government has made efforts to restore normalcy. These include rebuilding public infrastructure in the most affected areas and establishing a compensation board for victims. However, rebuilding homes remains elusive for many. Some families claim that the compensation provided is insufficient, while others face bureaucratic difficulties in securing the necessary documentation to receive aid.
Challenges to Recovery and the Need for Support
The displaced residents view returning to their neighborhoods as a vital step toward normal life and healing. Sources close to the matter emphasize that ensuring full recovery is not only a humanitarian necessity but also essential for lasting peace in the region.
Beyond the physical and financial challenges, families continue to grapple with the emotional burden of missing relatives. Many face complicated legal processes to obtain documents certifying the absence or presumed death of their loved ones. This adds to their trauma and delays closure.
Calls for Government Action and Cooperation
Humanitarian organizations urge national, regional, and local governments, especially newly elected officials, to collaborate more effectively. They stress the importance of accelerating reconstruction efforts in the most affected areas and guaranteeing access to basic services for those still living in transitional shelters.
Since 2017, these organizations have supported over 400 families of missing persons by providing mental health care, psychosocial support, and livelihood programs. They have also assisted forensic teams in identifying remains found in local cemeteries through technical guidance and material aid.
Seeking Closure for Families of the Missing
Humanitarian experts emphasize the urgency of providing answers to families who have waited patiently for years. Clarifying the fate and whereabouts of the missing and identifying discovered remains will help families begin the healing process and rebuild trust in authorities.
These efforts go beyond remembering those lost in Marawi. They represent a shared hope among families for support, closure, and peace in their hearts so they can move forward.
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