Zia Alonto Adiong (Zea Io Ming C. Capistrano/davaotoday.com)
MARAWI CITY, Philippines – Spokesman Zia Alonto Adiong of the Provincial Crisis Management Committee expressed gratitude to Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate and the rest of the National Interfaith Humanitarian Mission for the support they extended to the evacuees from Marawi and for their eagerness to enter the area to see the actual situation.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Saturday afternoon, June 17 at the Provincial Capitol here, Adiong recognized the efforts of the members of the interfaith humanitarian mission in visiting the evacuation centers and providing services and support to the families and individuals from Marawi who were displaced due to the continuing military offensives against the ISIS-linked Maute Group.
He reiterated that the decision not to allow Zarate and some members of the mission to enter Marawi came from the military.
“We are looking forward to engage this group (Interfaith Mission) at gusto natin na lahat ng tulong ay matanggap natin,” Adiong told davaotoday.com in a separate interview at the sideline of the press conference.
“Nais lang natin iparating sa grupo na nag-attempt na pumasok dito na pagdating sa access dito sa Marawi wala ho’ng hold ang local government unit. Kailangan po tayong magkaroon ng proper coordination sa ating military dahil sila po ang komu-control sa exit at entry ng lahat ng pumapasok na nais makatulong sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.
DISMAYED. Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate expressed dismay over the refusal of the military to allow representatives of National Interfaith Humanitarian Mission to enter Marawi City on Thursday, June 15. Aside from the distribution of relief goods, representatives of the mission also aimed to talk to the local government officials in the area to hear their briefings and views on the ongoing military offensives in the city. (Alexander Lopez/davaotoday.com)
The eagerness of the group is sincere and their intention to be one with the local officials of Marawi is pure, Adiong pointed out.
He said it was also the intention of the group to get the real picture of Marawi straight from the local leaders and officials.
“There will be other times that we will engage them especially in the rehabilitation of Marawi City,” Adiong added.
Representative Zarate expressed dismay over the denial of the military to allow them to enter Marawi on Thursday for a humanitarian mission and to meet the local officials in the area.
The denial came despite the clearances that the group secured with authorities, including the military before the actual visit to Marawi.
Adiong said they will also welcome the recommendations that the humanitarian mission may submit to the government for the good of the thousands of displaced families.
Read related story: Interfaith mission sees looming humanitarian crisis as battle in Marawi continues
Among the recommendations of the interfaith mission is the end to aerial bombardment in Marawi; the provision of appropriate health services to the displaced families in evacuation centers; and the provision of psycho-social programs and services to the women and children traumatized by the ongoing war.
“Any recommendation is welcome,” Adiong said, adding that everyone is eager to help to rebuild the lives of the people of Marawi. (davaotoday.com)
