United for Marawi
Secular, Atheist, and Humanist groups in the Philippines unite to aid those displaced by violence.
Last week on May 23rd, the city of Marawi, Lanao Del Sur in the Philippines became a battle zone as military and police forces engaged in a fight against the Abu Sayyaf Salafi and Maute group, local terrorist factions that have recently expressed allegiance to the terrorist organisation ISIL. It must be noted that the Abu Sayyaf Salafi’s leader Isnilon Hapilon is rumoured to be the one spearheading operations in the Orient for the global jihadist group. A series of armed conflicts soon arose between the government personnel and two groups, then as tension escalated, it resulted into the injuries and deaths of the military and police forces of the Philippines. Moreover, the Maute group has been accountable for numerous terror attacks, targeting public areas, and torture, and slaying of civilians.
People with access to social media in the city turned to the platforms to raise awareness and call for help on the happenings, as the news outlets of the country gave few accounts of it, as the military discussed that information must be contained so as not to give attention to the terrorist groups. Given the events, around 10 P.M. (UCT/GMT 3:00 A.M.) of that day, President Rodrigo Duterte declared the instatement of Martial Law, a month of increase in security and the enforcement of curfews and strict checkpoints, in the entire Mindanao island, and what followed is the exodus of evacuees of Marawi into the neighboring city of Iligan. The executive head of the country was previously in a state visit in Russia, but had to cut it short in order to attend to the matters in Marawi and ‘comfort’ the people. The vice president, Leni Robredo, has followed this response by launching calls for donations and relief operations.
As of 1 P.M. (UCT/GMT 8:00 A.M.) on May 29, the mayor of Iligan has reported that there are a total of 12, 443 families and 47, 293 individual evacuees currently taking shelter inside the city. Of these, 6, 205 families are home-based (those with family or relatives with homes) and 29, 573 individuals are included. Inside the evacuation centers, there are 6, 238 families and 17, 720 individuals taking refuge. Iligan has now put up 3 major evacuation centers for the figures.
Other evacuation centers were set up in the following places: 1) Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol, Buadi Sacayao, Marawi City; 2) Gymnasium, School of Fisheries, Buru-un, Iligan City; 3) Barangay Hall, Poblacion, Municipality of Saguiaran; 4) MSU-IIT CASS, Tibanga, Iligan City; 5) Gomampong Ali Gymnasium, Poblacion Baloi; and 6) DayCare Center, Brgy. Pacalundo, Baloi. The people in the centers have are asking for assistance to access clean potable water, clothes, and cooked meals, or food that can readily be eaten, as relief operations have been delayed due to the tightening of security in the southern island.
Checkpoints have been doubled, and identification papers are being inquired towards everyone in the cities to ensure the safety of those seeking refuge, and capture any terrorist camouflaging as a fleeing victim from Marawi. This has brought ambivalent feelings from the locals, even in the neighbouring cities, as many fear the return of Marcos Martial Law days — a forlorn time in Philippine history where innocents were ruthlessly questioned, tortured, and killed without respect to Geneva conventions and various civil liberties by the administration. There has also been speculation that Ilaga, a Christian extremist paramilitary group utilised by former president Marcos to counter the Moros in Mindanao, are being recruited by the military force to curb the Maute in Marawi.
As of May 30, the death count has so far totaled 104: of it, 19 civilians, 6 of which are foreigners and the rest, locals. 17 members of the military, and 3 of the police force were killed in action. Of Maute, 42 have been reported dead through skillful military air strikes. On this day, too, a priest taken hostage by the faction is being used to call for a deal with the military and police forces to withdraw in the area in exchange for the safety of the abductees, countering the previous announcement of the military that the situation is nearing stability.
Initiatives
Concerned civilians, people from the Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI), Atheist Republic Metro Manila Consulate, 51Talk (those stationed in Iligan), and more have created an initiative called #UnitedForMarawi in order to spread more awareness on the issue, assemble a group to assist the the transport of aid and relief goods; and pool funds to increase the sustainability of the resources for the needs of the people in the evacuation centers.
Donations are welcomed with warmth through HAPI, and if you are willing, financial help will be processed through the following details:
HAPI BANK:
BPI Family Savings Bank
Account Name: Humanist Alliance Philippines International, Inc.
Account number: 6083–3810–41
For Local Bank Transactions :
1.1. No Service charge transferring from other Banks
1.2. Cash and Cheque deposits should be with the same BPI Family Savings Bank.
International Service charge:
150Php plus Documentary Stamp of .30cents for every 200Php
Swift Code : BOPIPHMM
HAPI paypal: donate@hapihumanist.org (In pesos only)
Once a donation has been made, please send a screenshot of your receipt to pinoyfreelancer16@gmail.com
(Written as a collaboration of groups in the Philippines)
Sources:
19 Civilians Killed, 85,000 Displaced as Philippines Continues to Battle Islamist Militants in Mindanao. (2017, May 29). Retrieved from http://www.intelligencerpost.com/19-civilians-killed-85000-displaced-philippines-continues-battle-islamist-militants-mindanao/
Affairs, G. N. (2017, May 30). Marawi crisis death toll reaches 104. Retrieved from http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/612623/marawi-crisis-death-toll-reaches-104/story/
Affairs, G. N. (2017, May 24). AFP: Stop social media posts that will worsen Marawi City situation. Retrieved from http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/611871/military-urges-public-to-stop-posting-information-in-social-media-posts-of-troops-terrorists-in-marawi-city/story/?utm_source=GMANews&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=news
Calonzo, A., & Alegado, S. (2017, May 23). Duterte Puts Mindanao Under Martial Law on Militant Clashes. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-05-23/duterte-declares-martial-law-in-mindanao-spokesman-abella-says
Jazeera, A. (2017, May 29). Philippines: Hundreds trapped in battle for Marawi. Retrieved from http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/05/philippines-hundreds-trapped-battle-marawi-170529073505861.html
Marawi crisis. (2017, June 01). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marawi_crisis#Government_response
Marcelo, V. (2017, May 23). Gov’t forces, Maute group clash in Marawi City. Retrieved from http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/05/23/marawi-city-clash.html
News, A. (2017, May 24). TIMELINE: Maute attack in Marawi City. Retrieved from http://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/05/23/17/timeline-maute-attack-in-marawi-city
Philippine President Duterte eyes nationwide martial law. (2017, May 24). Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40024120
