Group of Maranaos asks Duterte to stop plan to build ecozone, military camp in Marawi

MANILA, Philippines — A group of concerned Maranaos appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to stop the planned establishment of an economic zone and a military camp in the war-ravaged city of Marawi.

In a statement Friday, Ranaw Multi-Sectoral Movement lamented that the residents of Marawi have been “largely left out” in the plans to rebuild the city laid out by the Task Force Bangon Marawi during a consultation last week.

“Plans have been made without our participation. Plans that neither bear the stamp of our will nor reflect our culture. Plans whose mechanics and implementation are not clear to us,” the group said.

It added: “Those who came to present the plan dismissed our comments, recommendations and protestations as though we knew nothing and have no business getting involved in rebuilding our very own city.”

The group said the folks of the lakeside city have resisted many invaders throughout the years but the proposed plan of building an economic zone and a military camp is an invasion that “threatens to rob our souls.”

Ranaw Muti-Sectoral Group, moreover, appealed to President Duterte, who often claims that he is of Maranao blood, to stop the government’s plan.

“We appeal to you to let Marawi be rebuilt the way our ancestors did: one house at a time, one masjid (mosque) at a time. One village at a time. We welcome those who are willing to help us in this endeavor, for the challenges are daunting and the costs are high. We appeal though that please help us rebuild according to our will in pursuit of the will of Allah (swt). Stand with us, help us, please be one of us,” it said.

Last December, the Department of Finance said that an economic zone would help Marawi City recover and create jobs and livelihood opportunities for the residents.

The five-month urban warfare left hundreds of people dead, among them soldiers and policemen, caused the displacement of thousands and left dozens of historic Maranao enclaves in ruins.

Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi from terrorists last October, marking the beginning of the city’s rehabilitation.

Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra previously said about P90 billion is needed to rebuild the affected areas.

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AFP/File photo