Today, October 17, the President announced before government troops the liberation of Marawi from terrorists a day after the neutralization of Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

The declaration of PRRD marks the beginning of the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi. Our ground commanders will determine if it is safe for residents to return to the city as there may still be traps and unexploded ordnance in some areas. We will defer to their assessment and await their recommendation.

The damage to the Islamic city’s infrastructure and private properties and the displacement of thousands of residents require the government’s unified and comprehensive effort; thus, we call on all our citizens to come together to move our country forward towards a peaceful, prosperous and secure future.

This is the time to channel our time and harness our energies to restore normalcy in the war-torn city and serve people’s aspirations for a comfortable life for all.