Marawi Mayor MG appeals to IDPs to be patient before returning to their homes
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| @TNRS: Marawi mayor Majul Gandamra and Joint Task Force Tabang commander Sedano led the feeding of IDP children in Madrasah Qairiya, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte. (RSO) |
Balo-i, Lanao del Norte
August 6, 2017
Marawi City Majul U. Gandamra appealed on Sunday to evacuees from the Marawi siege who were temporarily sheltered in Madrasah Qairiya in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte to be patient a little while for it will not take long before they can return to their homes.
Gandamra said he did not like that something will happen to them (if they return now to Marawi) as what happened to those who were caught in the crossfires in the war zone.
The city mayor said the above during the launching of Mobile Kitchen in Madrasah Qairiya evacuation center in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte in partnership with Joint Task Force Group Tabang under Col. Thomas R. Sedano Jr.
There are 73 families or 364 individuals IDPs at Madrasah Qairiya.
Joining the groups were the City Health Office headed by Dr. Ali Dalidig to give free checkup for the evacuees and Dr. Sohaya Rakiin Gandamra to give free dental services as well as toothbrush and toothpaste to children evacuees.
Marawi Barangay Norhaya Village Chairwoman Yanisa P. Lanto, and Local Civil Registrar Rawiya Pangadapun were also there to assist in the conduct of the launching activity.
The launching gave the following to the IDPs:
1. Feeding for the children and free hair cut;
2. Free-size slippers;
3. Toys for the children;
4. Ball and Ring for teenagers;
5. Wilkins 6000 ml.Mineral water;
6. Cash Prizes for the Question and Answer portion.
Responding to a lady who asked to return to see her house, the city mayor explained it is not yet permitted now to go to Marawi because fighting is still going on in Marinaut, Dansalan up to Madaya.
"However, the military said that the armed terrorists already have reduced to a small number so let us be patient," he added.
An elderly lady asked if they be allowed to harvest their corn even for only two days, Mayor Gandamra said not to worry even if they could not harvest their corn because the government will pay the destroyed crops.
Paying the damages will be led by the city government and the national government in coordination with barangay chairmen to identify whose crops were damaged, the mayor said.
As regard to the studies of the children IDPs, Gandamra said, Muntinlupa LGU will give 1,000 scholarship grant to deserving students in Senior High School in coordination with the Department of Education.
An observer said, "How heartbreaking seeing them displaced, but on this day, the Mayor made them smile especially the children." (TNRS)
