Prelate expresses mixed emotions on end of Marawi siege

FILE: Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Peña said he is both happy and sad over the termination of combat operations in the city. (PNA Photo)

MANILA — Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Peña said he is both happy and sad over the termination of combat operations in the city.

“I am happy that the siege is over and people can go back to their respective places. The rehabilitation of the city can proceed at a dizzying pace hopefully,” Dela Peña said in a statement issued Monday night.

On the other hand, the Catholic prelate said that he felt bad for the residents who were left homeless by the war.

“Sad also because there is practically no house to go home to for the Marawi residents, including us at St. Mary’s Cathedral. It’s going to be traumatic for some to see their former homes uninhabitable,” the Marawi bishop said.

On Monday, government forces terminated all combat operations in Marawi City after confirming the death of the last members of the Maute Group that had laid siege to the city.

This marked the end of the five-month conflict that began May 23.