MARAWI City—“Kapag nakapagligtas ka ng buhay, malaking advantage ‘yan [When you save a life, it’s a big advantage],” said Oshama Ali, a volunteer from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front working for the success of the Peace Corridor.
The MILF leaders had chosen Oshama to act as team leader for the Joint Coordination, Monitoring, and Assistance Center (JCMAC)—the body that executes the Peace Corridor in this battered city.
The JCMAC is composed of volunteers from the government, MILF, and Non-Violent Peace Force tasked to provide a safe route for the trapped civilians in the city.
Oshama has also been serving as member of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), a body that addresses criminality and terrorism in areas with MILF presence.
On the last week of May, MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim with the help of Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza met personally with President Roridgo Duterte to discuss the concept of Peace Corridor.
The President immediately gave his approval for the government and MILF panels to implement the corridor.
The Peace Corridor was established in the three-kilometer Banggulo Bridge to Quezon Avenue here to allow rescue and relief operations.
Oshama is also observing Ramadan, a time for prayer and religious devotion for all Muslims. When asked if he can manage to do heavy work while fasting, Oshama answered right away, “It’s OK, no problem. It’s our obligation to save lives of our fellow citizens.”
Despite the difficulties in bringing the trapped civilians to a safer place, the JCMAC was able to rescue 179 women, men, children and elderly during its first attempt on June 4.
On its second attempt last Thursday, it was able to bring 38 more civilians to safety, bringing its total to 217.
“Everybody’s scare of the situation, but the objective is to deliver humanitarian aid. If we can save a life, it’s a big deal for us,” Oshama emphasized.