Tagle urges faithful to help rebuild Marawi

FILE: Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. (Photo: Archdiocese of Manila – Office of Communications/Facebook)

MANILA — Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urged the faithful to help in efforts to rehabilitate war-torn Marawi City.

In a radio interview, the Catholic prelate said this is the right time for the public to show their compassion to the people of the said city who were affected by the five-month battle between government troops and Maute terrorists.

“Nanawagan po ako sa mga kapatid nating mga Kristyano. Narinig natin ang mga kwento kung paano ang mga kapatid nating mga Muslim ay gumawa ng paraan para maprotektahan ang mga Kristiyano na noon ay baka mahuli. Baka sila ay mapahamak, dinamayan sila, pinrotektahan sila. ‘Iyan po ang pagiging magkakapatid; ‘yan ang pagiging makatao; pagiging anak ng Diyos; at ang pagiging Filipino. Ngayon naman po, tayong lahat lalo na ang mga kapatid nating Kristiyano, tayo po ay dumamay. Sa pamamagitan ng ating pagtulong sa pagbangon muli ng Marawi, (I call upon our Christian brethrens. We have heard how our Muslim brothers protected Christians who might be captured. They protected and helped them in the midst of danger. That’s what fraternity is. Being humane; being a child of God; being a Filipino. Now is the time for us Christians to help them. It is through helping Marawi rise again.)” Tagle said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.

The head of the Archdiocese of Manila noted that the call to help the people who are in need is a Christian duty.

“Ang pagdamay sa kapwa ay isa sa hinihingi sa atin. Hindi lamang ng panahon, hindi lamang ng pagiging makatao at marunong makipagkapwa tao, kundi ito rin po ay hinihingi sa atin ng ating Panginoong Hesuskristo ang pagdamay. At lalu na po sa mga kapatid natin na dumanas ng napakaraming pagsubok sa Marawi (We are called to help our fellowmen. Not just by time, not just by the spirit of humanity. It is what our Lord Jesus Christ tells us. We must help our fellowmen in Marawi who are facing challenges right now.),” the cardinal added.

On the other hand, the Prelature of Marawi City expressed gratitude to those who are willing to help the city to rise again.

“Gratitude. It is always with deep gratitude that we address ourselves to all the people of goodwill. Kahit anuman ang relihiyon kahit anuman ang hugis at kulay ng kanilang pagkatao na tumutulong at patuloy na tumutulong dito sa pagpabangon natin sa Marawi City. Malaki ang aming pasalamat sa lahat ng mga nag-volunteer ng kanilang serbisyo, oras, panahon, resources para maipagtuloy natin ang ating ayuda para sa mga nasalanta dito sa giyera sa Marawi (Whatever the faith or personalities of those who help rebuild Marawi City, we are thankful to them for their service, time and resources for the people who were hit by the conflict),” said Marawi Bishop Edwin Dela Peña in a separate radio interview.

Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte declared the city liberated from the Maute terrorists following the death of top terrorist leaders Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon in a battle.