Marawi Rehabilitation

No to Martial Law Extension in Mindanao. Yes to Swift, Corruption-free Rehab: Statement of Senators Aquino, Drilon, Hontiveros, Pangilinan, Trillanes

We, members of the minority, support the position of Mindanaoans for NO martial law extension in their home island. Lifting military rule, specifically in Marawi, will hasten the return of affected residents to their homes, according to its citizens. 
 
Martial law, together with the air strikes, was the reason why they fled Marawi in the early days of the Maute siege. And martial law is also the reason why they are afraid to return, even in cleared areas. 
 
After the pronounced liberation of Marawi and the announced focus on rehabilitation and trade, what will be the role of the people of Marawi in the planning and rehabilitation of their city? 
 
What guarantees do they have that they can return to their old location and start life anew? As security forces reign supreme during martial law, would not military rule actually get in the way of a people-centered rebuilding and rehabilitating of the once vibrant city? What is the need for martial law? Would martial law suspend bidding for the reconstruction of the city?

Sen. Bam: Unite, work together for Marawi rehab

Now that Marawi City has been liberated from the grasp of the Maute Group, Sen. Bam Aquino urged all stakeholders to work together to heal, rebuild and create prosperity in the city.

“Now, we must illuminate the hopeful Filipino spirit. It’s time to work together to heal, rebuild and create prosperity in Marawi City,” said Sen. Bam, a member of the Special Committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation.

Sen. Bam’s pronouncement came after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana declared an end to the five-month fighting in Marawi City.

 Earlier, President Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi City from the terrorist group following the death of terrorists Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute, who were behind the siege that devastated the city.

 “This marks the end of a dark period in Philippine history, when terrorists sowed fear, violence and devastation in the City of Marawi. Our Armed Forces deserve our utmost praise and gratitude for this victory and for sacrificing their lives to bring peace to our country,” said Sen. Bam.

At the same time, Sen. Bam commended members of other local government units, government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector who took in evacuees and provided support to families who lost their homes and livelihood.

With the liberation of Marawi City, Sen. Bam said it’s high-time to focus on rebuilding and developing Marawi City.

 “We fully support efforts to rehabilitate Marawi City and to bring normalcy and prosperity into the lives of Maranao families,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam: Support for Marawi City homeowners still lacking

Sen. Bam Aquino urged the government to assist owners of private properties destroyed during the Marawi conflict as part of its efforts to rehabilitate the war-torn city.

The senator issued the call during the initial hearing of the Special Committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation, of which he is a member for the minority.

 “Napansin ko sa mga footage na karamihan sa mga nawasak sa labanan ay mga pribadong ari-arian. Dapat nating siguraduhin na may mekanismo ang pamahalaan para magbigay ng suporta sa mga may-ari ng pribadong ari-arian na nasira sa labanan,” said Sen. Bam, who is looking into possible legislation to address the issue.

“Wala kaming mahanap na probisyon that allows for government support for damaged private property para sa ating kababayang nawalan ng tirahan dahil sa combat operations,” he added.

 The Department of National Defense (DND) said its legal support group is looking into the legality of extending assistance to owners of private properties.

“For government offices and public schools, I am confident we can find funding and rebuild quickly. Ngunit kailangan rin nating tulungan ang mga kababayan nating nasiraan ng bahay at kabuhayan,” Sen. Bam insisted.

During the hearing, Sen. Bam underscored the minority’s full support for the government’s efforts to rehabilitate Marawi City as soon as the conflict is over.

“This is one of those efforts where we need to work together to ensure that the benefit of our countrymen can be felt,” said Sen. Bam.

 The senator also wants to invite officials from the local government unit (LGU) of Marawi and members of a non-government organization in the area to serve as voice and check and balance in the planning and implementation stages.

 Sen. Bam also emphasized that the committee might visit Marawi City when the fighting stops in the area for a closer look at the extent of the damage in the area and to determine the pressing needs that needs to be addressed first.

There are currently 359,680 internally displaced persons (IDPs) or 78,466 displaced families due to the conflict in Marawi.

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