SENIOR Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said in a briefing they leave it to Task Force Bangon Marawi to decide on the proposed plan of to establish an economic zone and a military camp in the war-torn City of Marawi.
The Palace issued this statement following the appeal of a Maranao-led civilian group to President Duterte to put a stop to the plan.
“I think it’s too early to say whether or not the President will act on that request. We’ll leave it to Task Force Bangon Marawi to consider that and to evaluate whether or not the existence or nonexistence of a military camp inside Marawi City is advisable and whether converting it into an economic zone will be for the betterment of the city or not. That’s all for the task force to evaluate and decide on,” Guevarra said.
In a statement, Ranaw Multi-Sectoral Movement said the plans to rebuild Marawi City were made without the participation of the Marawi people.
The group said the plan was presented to them by Task Force Bangon Marawi Chairman and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Secretary Eduardo del Rosario and National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary for Regional Development Adoracion Navarro during the multisectoral consultation on March 21 and 22. The group further claimed the presenters even “dismissed our comments, recommendations, and protestations as though we knew nothing and have no business getting involved in rebuilding our very own city.”
“We appeal to you to let Marawi be rebuilt the way our ancestors did: one house at a time, one masjid at a time, one village at a time. We welcome those who are willing to help us in this endeavor, for the challenges are daunting and the costs are high. We appeal, though, to please help us rebuild according to our will in pursuit of the will of Allah. Stand with us, help us. Please, be one of us,” the group said in a statement.
“Mr. President, please put a stop to the proposed ecozone and military camp plans until we have been heard, until our dreams and aspirations, our cultural sensitivities and our faith find expression in the rebuilding of Marawi City, our home.”
Asked for the Palace reaction to this, Guevarra said there might be some sort of misunderstanding.
“I’m sure that residents themselves will be given an opportunity to make their own proposals on how to rehabilitate their own city,” he said.