The city government of Taguig announced on Friday it is giving P1.5 million as relief assistance to Marawi City, which was declared under the state of calamity amid the ongoing armed conflict there.
City councilors approved a resolution following the proposal of Mayor Laarni Cayetano to appropriate funds to be send to the war-torn city in the province of Lanao del Sur.
The resolution stated that the local council of Marawi declared the city under a state of calamity through Resolution No. 60, following the attack of the extremist Maute Group in Barangay Basak Malutlut on May 23.
More than 30,000 families or 140,000 individuals have evacuated the city, while their homes and property were severely damaged by the battles between the authorities and the terrorists.
“We are very eager in helping our brothers and sisters. We want them to feel that they are not alone in this battle. We want this simple act to give them hope in their hearts,” said Cayetano, who urged the council to provide the needed assistance to Marawi.
Cayetano also asked Filipinos to include the restoration of peace in Marawi in their prayers as she enjoined everyone to do what they could to help.
Meanwhile, Allison Lopez, chief information officer of the International Committee of the Red Cross, revealed that humanitarian needs still exist in several areas in Marawi as the fighting continues.
She said the ICRC and the Philippine Red Cross distributed two-week food rations, household and hygiene items for displaced people in Saguiaran, including those staying with relatives.
“The situation is far from over. Fighting is ongoing, and civilians who are trapped or are displaced continue to face challenging situations. There is still a need to support more than 200,000 displaced people with food, drinking water, sanitation facilities and health care in the coming weeks,” added Roberto Petronio, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Mindanao.
With various government agencies responding to the crisis and the arrival of more aid organizations, Petronio said coordination has become a major task. Regular meetings are held to identify gaps and to address current and future needs.
“Looking forward, the future needs of the displaced families will include support for their return to Marawi City, while those who cannot go home need temporary relocation or settlement,” he said.