Nancy Wants AFP, PNP To Hasten Marawi Clearing Operations For Rebuilding

Senator Nancy Binay on Tuesday, October 24, called on the authorities to hasten the clearing of war-torn areas in Marawi City, saying that the earlier the clearing operation ends, the soonest rebuilding can start in the area.

“I call on the authorities, especially the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) na pabilisin ang clearing operations sa loob ng mga apektadong barangay, lalong-lalo sa main battle area, sa Marawi City,” Senator Binay said.

“This way, ang mabilis na pagtatapos ng clearing ay mas mapapaaga ang simula ng rebuilding ng lungsod,” she added.

The lady senator earlier called on the inclusion of indigenous peoples (IPs) and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the 23-member Task Force Bangon Marawi, which was tasked by the national government to lead in the recovery and rehabilitation of the war-torn city.

Clearing operations by government forces are currently ongoing in the city.

Senator Binay said that the government should pour more resources for the recovery and clearing of unexploded ordnance that can pose danger to rehabilitation workers.

“Magpadala pa po tayo ng dagdag na mga Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Units o bomb squads upang tumulong sa paghahanap at pagdidispose ng maayos ng mga hindi sumabog na mga bomba at mga bala,” Senator Binay said.

“Hangga’t may mga naiwang mga bomba, bala, improvised explosive devices o booby traps sa mga pinagkutaan ng mga Maute fighters ay malalagay sa panganib ang buhay ng mga rehabilitation workers,” she added.

Source: Senate