Manila: Presidential peace adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Friday paid tribute to the government forces that fought to liberate Marawi City from the hands of Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorists eight years ago. "As we commemorate this fateful day, let us not forget to honor the men and women who laid their lives on the line, with some of them making the ultimate sacrifice, to liberate Marawi from its captors," Galvez said in a statement. "They are heroes in the truest sense."
According to Philippines News Agency, the head of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) also lauded the "extraordinary courage" of the Maranao people to overcome their trauma and rebuild their lives following the siege. "Over the past eight years, we have witnessed the indomitable spirit of Marawi's residents who, despite the pain, fear and trauma they went through, have continued to rebuild their lives with greater hope, strength and determination," he said.
He noted the government's efforts to help the victims recover from their harrowing experience, such as OPAPRU's Social Healing and Peacebuilding (SHAPE) Program, which involves "peace conversations and community healing sessions." Galvez said the program, implemented with help from line agencies, local leaders, religious sector, civil society, and the academe, seeks to address the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism.
"This is why the OPAPRU continues to conduct peace conversations and community healing sessions among the most vulnerable sectors, particularly the youth, women, and internally displaced persons who have borne the brunt of the harrowing incident," he said. Galvez stated that the national government's peacebuilding efforts in Marawi go hand-in-hand with its rehabilitation and recovery interventions.
"May our Maranao brothers and sisters continue to walk the path of peace, as the Marcos administration stands firmly behind your efforts to build back a better, brighter and more peaceful future for your homeland," he said.
