MARAWI CITY, Sep. 1 (PIA) - Learning from the lessons of the Marawi siege in 2017, the city government of Marawi and 96 village leaders in the city denounced both the local terrorist group (LTG) and communist terrorist group (CTG) and declared them persona non grata.
"Terrorism has no place in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur," stressed City Mayor Majul Gandamra during the mass condemnation activity held recently at the Provincial Capitol Gym.
Gandamra said the Marawi siege is a living testimony of the adverse impacts of terrorism such as displacing thousands of Marawi residents and damaging a lot of properties.
"Pilit man nating bumangon sa pait ng nakaraan, hindi natin maipagkakaila na ang terorismo ay nananatili pa rin dito at nakaambang upang muli tayong guluhin dito sa ating matiwasay na pamumuhay. Huwag nating pabayaang umusbong ito," he added.
Beating terrorism through good governance
To address terrorism, Gandamra cited the importance of good governance so that the public will not be enticed to join the CTG or LTG.
He urged the village leaders to strengthen their collaboration not only with government authorities but also with humanitarian partners to establish livelihood opportunities in their communities.
Gandamra said, "We have to strengthen our collaboration with other partners sa gano'n ay makatulong din sila sa atin sa pagtulong sa ating mga constituents."
Parents' role in ending terrorism
The mayor also reminded parents of their responsibilities in keeping their children away from the recruitment of terrorist groups.
"Dapat tayong mga magulang ay asikasuhin natin ang ating mga anak. Turuan natin sila ng tamang pamumuhay. Be a good example at ipakita natin ang 'way of life' ng totoong Muslim.
Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander, backed the mayor's sentiment. Cuerpo who graced the mass condemnation activity also underscored the crucial role of parents in guiding their children on the right path.
Unity and cooperation
Gandamra further encouraged the village leaders to cooperate and help in the fight against terrorism.
"Huwag natin iasa lamang sa mga security forces ang ganitong pasanin dahil ito ay problema nating lahat. What happened to Marawi City is a living testimony na hindi dapat natin pabayaan ang ating syudad bagkus magkaisa tayo at labanan ang terorismo," he added.
For his part, Col. Madzgani Mukaram, Lanao del Sur Police Director, reminded the village leaders on the Islamic principle of fairness and balance. "Bawal sa Islam ang masyadong negligent o extreme. Bawal din yung puro dasal ka lang dahil kailangan mo ring maghanapbuhay para may ipakain ka sa pamilya mo, ngunit bawal din ang puro hanapbuhay. Lahat ng pamumhay ng mga Muslim ay balanse kasama na doon ang pagiging makatarungan, tolerant, at marunong umintindi ng paniniwala ng iba," he further said.
Meanwhile, Col. Cuerpo asked for support from the village leaders to help in ending terrorism. "Kung kaya natin silang kausapin in peaceful means then let us do it upang hindi masayang ang kanilang buhay at kinabukasan. Magtulungan tayo," he added.
LtCol. Rafman Altre, commanding officer of the 82nd Infantry Battalion, stressed that attaining and preserving peace is a shared responsibility. "We are able to liberate Marawi City from the hands of the Daesh-inspired terrorist group because we stand united against their narratives and propaganda," he said.
The mass condemnation activity was highlighted by the presentation of resolutions denouncing the CTG and LTG and the burning of the terrorist groups' flags. (APB/PIA-ICIC)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
0 Comments