A child from Marawi, Thursday (6/7) waits to receive aid at a misplaced persons camp in Barangaay or Bito Buadi Itowa subdistrict, Marawi. People have been forced to move to camps as a result of the conflict in Marawi.
MARAWI, KOMPAS – The offensive by the Philippine armed forces against the Maute militant group in Marawi continues. Gunfire from two helicopters on Thursday (6/7) rained down on the Maute hideout. Locals hope the offensive by the Philippine army will bring optimal results. They no longer feel comfortable in misplaced persons centers.
There is not much to do in the centers. “My husband cannot work, and our family needs money for daily life,” said Siti Noor, a displaced person interviewed in Balau Barangay (subdistrict) Bito Buadi Itowa, Thursday, as reported by Kompas reporter B. Josie Susilo Hardianto and Harry Susilo in Marawi, the Philippines.
The aid they been receiving from the Philippine Social and Development Ministry is very limited. According to Barangay head Solaiman, at least 150 of the 300 misplaced persons do not have “green cards”. The misplaced must have green cards to access government aid. The aid includes various items, such as rice and sleeping mats. To address the problem, those in centers have agreed to share the aid.
However, they still need things such as blankets, food for children and infants, soap, clothes and items for children and women. They understand that the government is experiencing a difficult time because it has to face the Maute group. However, the effect of the conflict in Marawi is unavoidable.
On Thursday evening, two helicopters circled over Marawi. The helicopter crews fired shots from machine guns. Flashes pierced the sky of Marawi, which that afternoon had been covered in dark clouds. The aerial attack started in the morning.
Soldiers guard every entrance into Marawi. It takes 90 minutes to get to Marawi from Iligan, the closest city 36 kilometers away. Apart from the fact that the road winds uphill, vehicles are also often stopped at security checkpoints.
All vehicles must stop at checkpoints, open their windows and let military or police personnel check the vehicle and passengers. They need to show proof of their identity, such as an identity card or passport. To enter an area like Marawi city, a permit must be obtained from the Philippine armed forces.
Cultural approach
The cultural approach of building relations between Christian and Muslim communities is the key to peace in Mindanao. Former Mindanao Evangelical Council chairman Tomas Mascarinas said in Jakarta on Thursday that after meeting with the leader of the Moro Islam Liberation Front (MILF), Murad Ibrahim, in Cotabato, an agreement was made to use the cultural approach to build cross-community communication in Mindanao.
“Various prejudices need to be eradicated. From a very young age, understanding between Christian and Muslim children needs to be nurtured. We see Indonesia as an older brother. The moderate Islam in Indonesia can be an example for the Philippines,” Mascarinas said.
He added that much misinformation had been received by ethnic and religious communities in Mindanao concerning other communities. This has caused prejudice and division. There is also the matter of welfare, which has exacerbated the division.
He said the Marawi crisis had become more complicated because a narco-political network, outside of the Maute group, operated in the area. The Mexico-style narco-political mafia is being fought against by President Rodrigo Duterte to prevent the Philippines from becoming caught in narco-politics like Mexico.
“The biggest crystal meth production center in Mindanao is in Marawi,” said an alumnus of the Mindanao State University in Marawi.
The parties in conflict, such as the MILF led by Murad Ibrahim, the MNLF under the leadership of Nur Misuari and the ARMM led by Governor Mujiv Haraman, strongly hold to the commitment to fight for peace in Mindanao and Sulu Islands.
Terror at sea
Navy chief of staff Adm. Ade Supandi said in Jakarta on Thursday that the Navy had formed rapid response units in its western and eastern waters to face possible terror attacks at sea. He said intelligence would play a key role.
Regarding trilateral cooperation with Malaysia and the Philippines, each country can chase suspected terrorists into the territory of a neighboring country as long as they inform the authorities of the concerned country. “Each carry out their own patrols and then coordinate. This is called coordinated patrols,” Ade said.
For coordinated patrols, the Indonesian Navy will use patrol boats as they are more agile, can enter shallow areas and can easily be docked. “We support it with a surveillance system, intelligence and submarines. The Philippines, Malaysia and us will help one another,” Ade said.
