“Only the dead see the end of war” – Plato
THE war in Mindanao, particularly in Marawi is affecting the country. To date, the number of casualties keeps on growing. Not only the members of the Maute terrorist group, not only the combatants of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are dying but also the civilians who are either caught in crossfire or intentionally killed.
The Maute terrorist group, is a radical Islamist group composed of breakaway Moro Islamic Liebration Front guerrillas led by Abdullah Maute, founder of Islamic State of Lanao.
Omar Maute, the brother of Abdullah who has been killed by Army troops last year, is said to be another founder of the group who is now sowing terror in Marawi.
The Maute group is said to be affiliated with the Jemaah Islamiya, an Islamist terrorist group in Southeast Asia and is notorious for attacks that includes suicide bombing in different parts of the world.
Allegedly, the Maute group is known to be recruiting minors as child warriors, engaging them in war. Such practice is highly condemned by children’s advocates and cause-oriented groups.
In addition, the group is said to be responsible for the abduction or kidnapping of foreigners in exchange for ransom money. Unfortunately, they beheaded some of their captives.
Last week, the Maute group attacked Marawi City. they destroyed homes, killed some soldiers and policemen, some civilians and they even burned down a mosque. The terroristic acts led to the declaration of Martial law in Mindanao by President Rodrigo Duterte.
There are still on-going battles in the war-torn Marawi and its neighboring towns. There are a number of civilians who have already fled their town but many still refused to leave their properties as they take the risk of being caught in crossfire.
The war in Marawi is affecting the economy as other countries warn their citizens not to visit the Philippines because of the fighting in Mindanao.
The tourism in the Mindanao and the Visayas is among those affected by the war in Marawi as tourists are seemed to be shooed away by their fear of being made into victims of the conflict.
Businesses in Marawi and some parts of Mindanao are also affected because of their non-operation and the closing down of other business activities. In addition, the war means government spending in terms of relief goods for the dislocated residents, ammunitions, fuel for war machines and the lives of the uniformed men and women in the battlefield.
***
For any comments, ideas, suggestions or opinions, text or call The Advocate at 0921-3636360 or send email at dencious@gmail.com