Marawi City — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte appealed to Maranaos on Tuesday, January 30, to fend off terrorism in order to spare the city from massive destruction and loss of lives.
The Chief Executive made this statement as he led the distribution of certificates of acceptance and occupancy of transitory shelter units at Barangay Sagonsongan here.
“Let us try to avoid terrorism… It is not the correct way to obey Islam. You do not kill and destroy for no reason at all,” the Chief Executive said in his speech.
“Kaya huwag nating papasukin, I beg of you not to allow them to enter because it will just cause massive destruction and the loss of lives, including the innocent ones who are really the helpless in case of war,” he explained.
According to Duterte, what happened to the city during the siege was a nightmare to him being the country’s President.
President Duterte pledged that his administration would continue to fund the rehabilitation of the city.
At the same time, he assured the Maranaos that they would be able to rehabilitate their businesses.
“We try to build a new city. I will guarantee you for the remaining years that there will always be money for you, that you’ll be able to rehabilitate your business kung talagang gusto lang ninyo. Pagandahin ninyo ang Marawi and welcome everybody,” Duterte said.
The President said the Trade and Agriculture departments, among others, would assist the city in its rehabilitation.
The Duterte administration has allotted at least P10 billion for the rehabilitation of Marawi for this year alone.
President Duterte also promised to pour in money for the rehabilitation of the Islamic City’s agricultural production.
In the rebuilding phase of Marawi City, the President said he would not condone abuses.
“I will never condone abuses. If you think that sabi mo naabuso kayo, may nawala kayo… give it to Jun or kay Secretary Mamao and I will try to investigate. I will not condone [abuse],” he said.
Meanwhile, the President said that the government would proceed with the peace talks.
“As a matter of fact, this is our golden opportunity. We will proceed with the peace talks,” Duterte said.
“We avoid trouble in Mindanao, we go for a federal system and we’ll try to craft something that could fit the BBL or whatever is convenient that could make the Moro happy,” he added.
The President also witnessed the launching of Landbank’s financial assistance program.
Marawi City government received P10 million from Landbank while Lanao del Sur got P5 million.
At the same time, the Siyapen community-based drug rehabilitation center of Ayala Foundation was launched on Tuesday.
The Ayala Foundation turned over P3 million for Marawi’s internally displaced persons (IDPs). It also turned over two vehicles.
Before the event in Barangay Sagonsongan, the President led the inspection of Bahay Pag-asa Phase II Shelter project at Barangay Mipaga. ###(PND)
