The groundbreaking for the reconstruction in the Islamic state of Marawi will happen by the end of October, Malacañang said Wednesday as it commemorated the liberation of Marawi from terrorists.
“Efforts to build a vibrant and prosperous Marawi from the rubbles of war and conflict will soon come into fruition as we expect the groundbreaking of reconstruction activities by the end of the month,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
The Palace said Marawi’s liberation from the “malevolent hands of terrorist” conveyed a strong message that Filipinos would unceasingly stand united against terrorism.
“As we celebrate the triumphs of our government troops against the Daesh-inspired Maute rebels, we pay tribute to those who fell during the siege of Marawi and gave the ultimate sacrifice to make our nation safer and more secure,” Panelo said.
“The end of the intense firefighting in Marawi a year ago likewise marked the beginning of the healing and rebuilding of the Islamic city and its residents.”
President Rodrigo Duterte’s Administrative Order 3, which created the Task Force Bangon Marawi, has started the rehabilitation of the city with various agencies helping the internally displaced people rebuild their homes.
“We ask everyone to remain fully supportive of the government’s initiatives in this regard,” Panelo said.
On May 23, 2017, homegrown terrorists laid siege to Marawi, prompting Duterte to return from his visit to Russia and put Mindanao under martial law.
The Palace said the deaths of terrorists Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon thwarted the establishment of an Islamic caliphate in the area.
