In line with the celebration of Eid Mubarak, Maranao Tribe Deputy Mayor, Randy Usman asked for unity and help for his brothers and sisters in Marawi who were affected by a current war.
Usman also asked his fellow Filipinos not to judge his tribe since only a few Maranaos are members of the ISIS link, Maute group.
He said that the people in Marawi need help and understanding from everybody.
Usman said that they have set up several evacuation centers for the victims of the Marawi siege who seek refuge here in Davao City. Most of them stay in their relatives for the meantime while the war continuous in their place.
At least 6 barangays in the city have received evacuees from Marawi since the war erupted last May.
“For those who would like to help, they can go to their barangay hall to give their donations. Anything will do, foods, clothes and even prayers, we hope for everybody’s understanding and not categorize the Maranaos as terrorist,” he said.
City Social Services and Development Office head Maria Luisa Bermudo said that their social workers are currently making a master’s list to monitor the needs and whereabouts of th evacuees during their stay here in Davao City.
“Our assessment is still ongoing since we still receive evacuees, as of now, we are giving them immediate food assistance,” Bermudo said.
Bermudo said that the city will also assist on the education of those who enrolled here in Davao City.
She said that they will coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) and even the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for the college students.
“We will coordinate with other agencies to help the evacuees, some signifies their intention to transfer here in the city permanently, we will also look into that,” Bermudo said.
Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that the city of Marawi will be needing at least P10 billion to bring back the normality there that was devastated during the war.
