MARAWI CITY: The Marawi crisis may worsen over reports that Maranaos displaced by the current conflict were being told allegedly by the Ulama Council to return to their homes here in Lanao del Sur’s capital city by July 24 or July 27. Local leaders and clerics confirmed the reports but did not issue any statement for fear that this may cause civil unrest among the Maranaos. A Muslim cleric warned that it would be “suicide” if not only the Maranaos but also other civilians heeded the call to go back to Marawi City. Even if parts of Marawi City have been regained from the terrorists, hundreds of buildings in the eastern part of the city still need to be cleared, Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, Joint Task Force Marawi spokesman, said. Zia Alonto Adiong, Marawi City Crisis Management Committee spokesman, pleaded to the government to be aggressive in providing humanitarian assistance to the victims of the conflict.

Source: Manila Times July 16, 2017 12:22 UTC