COTABATO CITY: After fleeing Marawi City at the height of the war between government forces and terrorists from the Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf Group, residents are returning to their homes and slowly rebuilding their lives amid devastation of the only Muslim city in the country. Marawi City is the political and administrative capital of Lanao del Sur, which has 39 towns. “We are thankful to the office of Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra and all other agencies and cause-oriented groups that are helping evacuees return to Marawi City,” Adiong said. Abpisa is one of the more than 4,000 Basak Malutlut residents given clearance to return home last week. With the city now declared free from the clutches of terror groups, the time has come for the people of Marawi City not only to rehabilitate their city but also rebuild their lives as proud Maranaos.

Source: Manila Times October 31, 2017 13:30 UTC