CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A multi-sectoral group released a manifesto asking President Rodrigo Duterte to stop the aerial bombing in Marawi City as it destroys the houses of many residents who have since fled the area.
Atty. Salic Dumarpa, president of Sautol Haqq (Voice of Truth), a watchdog organization from Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) who led in making the manifesto, said that since the government announced that it is close to defeating the Maute terrorist group, aerial bombing should be stopped so as not to inflict more structural damage.
"The manifesto is basically an appeal to his Excellency President Rodrigo Duterte to stop the aerial bombing in Marawi, considering so much damage has been caused to the city," Dumarpa said.
The group is also asking Duterte to immediately facilitate the return of thousands of evacuees to Marawi City as soon as government troops have neutralized the remaining terrorists. Residents also have to comfortably perform their obligation during the Holy Month and to prepare their children for school.
The group, likewise, urged the President to create an independent commission tasked to rehabilitate Marawi City as well as to investigate why the siege happened.
Dumarpa said an independent commission can eradicate corruption during rehabilitation.
"We recommend that this rehabilitation should be handled by an independent commission to temper expenses of the government," he said.