Wency Flynn C.

Singcay GE8 (8188) – Philippine

History

Marawi Siege Reflection

On 23rd of May 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law and
withheld the writ of habeas corpus for 60 days across the whole Island of Mindanao.
Before even it reached the interval of 60 days, the houses of Congress voted to extend
the martial law to December 2017. At those times, it is the most necessary decision to
make by the President and the house of Congress as well as the House of
Representatives. It should be decided and done at a forceful measure because it is an
emergency and the place were in actual war zone.

The Marawi siege happened for quite a long months armed struggle which
occurred on May 22, 2017 in Marawi, Lanao del Sur, Philippines. The gruesome war
between the Maute rebels and government forces prompted President Rodrigo Duterte
to proclaim martial law on Mindanao. Hundreds of thousands of people were forcibly
displaced of what became known as the Marawi crisis, which ultimately led in the
catastrophe of houses and lives of many people. When superior fighters of Maute were
killed, as were the lives of 168 government forces, the public's exposure of this was
ended.

As of now, that I think about the battle of Marawi and many civilians had
experienced trauma of where they live and grow up. During those times of war, I know
for the fact that the people of Marawi, as well as those of us who are concerned, require
a greater sense of security and stability for our future. Despite the fact that the enemies
had lost and the Philippine Armed Forces had successfully won the battle, the hearts
and minds of those who had lost so much during the war, who had suffered so many
unimaginable sorrows and deep heartaches, were still broken.

After the battle, the Philippine military began clearing explosive weapons that are
left by the terrorists and clearing roadways, clearing approximately 85% of the weapons
by May 2018. Around 80% of Marawi's affected people had recovered by this time. And
still hoping that they will still believe that slowly, one step at a time everything will be put
in place.