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Civil groups appeal for ceasefire in Mindanao

Save passage sought for civilians caught up in Marawi fighting, calls grow louder for end to airstrikes
Civil groups appeal for ceasefire in Mindanao

A thick cloud of smoke covers an area in Marawi after an airstrike aimed at positions of militant fighters who have engaged security forces in a running gun battle since May 23. (Photo by Mark Navales)

 

Published: June 05, 2017 10:39 AM GMT
Updated: June 05, 2017 10:39 AM GMT

Philippine civil society groups appealed for a ceasefire on June 5 to allow thousands of civilians reportedly trapped in the middle of clashed in Marawi city in Mindanao to leave.

"Several hostages and thousands are stranded within the city," said peace activist Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, a resident of Marawi.

Among the hostages still in the hands of gunmen claiming to have links with the so-called Islamic State is Catholic priest Teresito Soganub, vicar general of the Prelature of Marawi.

The Ranao Rescue Team, a group of volunteers facilitating the escape of civilians from the middle of the fighting, called on the military to end airstrikes on suspected terrorist positions.

"[The airstrikes are] devastating for refugees and havens of evacuees," the group, who rescued 134 people on June 4, said in a statement.

"Please, these elderly, babies, women, and people with disabilities need to be examined by medical personnel. Let them out, let the rescuers in," the group appealed.

Civilians who escaped the fighting have reported that airstrikes are hitting civilian positions. 

"We received reports of airstrikes yesterday almost hitting policemen who converged around a municipal hall," read the statement.

"Let not a friendly fire kill more soldiers," added the statement. 

At least 11 government troops were reported to have died due to "friendly fire" last week.

The National Ulama Conference of the Philippines earlier called on the government to end airstrikes "to protect civilians."

Inter-religious groups in Mindanao, meanwhile, called on the public to "quell the fires of hatred" amid the ongoing conflict in Marawi.

The groups noted the efforts of Muslims to protect Christians from Maute group fighters who were reportedly hunting Christians in the city.

"Muslims protecting Christians show that ... the spirit of Ramadan inspires our Muslim brothers and sisters towards special protective actions to shield  terrified Christians," read a joint statement by the Inter-religious Solidarity for Peace and the Zamboanga Peace and Security Forum. 

The groups called on the public "to understand and analyze the complications of the conflict and the dynamics of societies sharing different identities and ways of life."

Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said a three-phased "culture-sensitive" recovery plan has already been crafted to address the crisis.

"Marawi is home to our brothers and sisters in the Bangsamoro, and it is our responsibility to make sure that it continues to be home for our people," said the governor. 

"We cannot let terror drive us away from the places we have built for ourselves and our families," he added.

The plan will run in three phases: early recovery and reconstruction running for three to 12 months; medium-tern reconstruction running for a year to six years; and, long-term rehabilitation and development running for six years and more.

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