PBBM: Marawi rehab, rebuilding continue

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

“In Marawi, the rehabilitation and rebuilding continue under the supervision of the Office of the President,” Marcos said in his third State of the Nation Address delivered at Batasan Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. (File photo: Task Force Bangon Marawi/Facebook)

MANILA – The government would continue the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Monday.

“In Marawi, the rehabilitation and rebuilding continue under the supervision of the Office of the President,” Marcos said in his third State of the Nation Address delivered at Batasan Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

Marcos said the government would focus on restoring energy, water, and livable communities in Marawi, which suffered from a five-month armed conflict in 2017 between government forces and militants affiliated with the Islamic State, including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Salafi jihadist groups.

On Dec. 22, 2023, Marcos issued Administrative Order (AO) 14, directing all concerned agencies to expedite and ensure the completion of the projects and activities related to the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City.

AO 14 mandates concerned government agencies to coordinate with concerned local government units to hasten the implementation of programs in the city and affected areas.

In May this year, the Marawi Compensation Board also awarded over PHP148,848,794.26 as compensation for the victims of the 2016 Marawi siege.

Marcos said a “comprehensive and transformative” approach is vital in rebuilding conflict-affected communities.

He added that the government is also offering peace, community development, and reintegration programs for former rebels who have returned to the fold of the law.

“No guerilla fronts remain active across our country today. Only seven weakened groups remain to be dismantled, and they are the subject of focused operations,” Marcos said.

“Former combatants now live peaceful and productive lives in their respective communities. Some of our former rebels are now absorbed into the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), serving in the defense of the Republic; while others are now part of the PNP BARMM (Philippine National Police of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao),” he added.