MARAWI, Philippines — Two years after the Philippine city of Marawi was overrun by jihadists it remains in ruins, with experts warning that stalled reconstruction efforts are bolstering the appeal of extremist groups in the volatile region. "Now it's closer to our hearts because the narrative is Marawi," said 32-year-old Sharief, who was himself displaced by the fighting. In this context, an angry displaced population in Marawi is not a risk that can be ignored, experts say. Though President Rodrigo Duterte has tried to portray himself as sensitive to the Philippines' Muslim minority, he has sent mixed signals about Marawi. People there have a lot of money," he said in reference to Marawi in an April speech.

Source: Philippine Star May 23, 2019 03:00 UTC