CLASSES resumed in 12 public elementary schools in Marawi City despite the ongoing clashes between security forces and the Maute terror group.
Brigadier General Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Marawi, said classes in Sultan Conding Elementary School, Sikap Elementary School, Cabingan Primary School, Banga Elementary School, DatuTambak Elementary School, Rorogagus Elementary School, Bito Elementary School, Pendolonan Elementary School, Abdulazis Elementary School, Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School, Sugod Elementary School, and Mipaga Elementary School started Monday, September 5.
"We are nearing the end of the battle with the gunfight confined to the main battle area in the besieged city. Security measures are being tightened to preempt any attempts by the terrorists to hamper classes," added Bautista.
As classes in 12 elementary and secondary schools start Monday, the different joint task groups under JTF Marawi had a series of conferences, discussing security preparations and arrangements to ensure that faculty and students will feel safe when they come to their campuses.
"This is one of the steps taken by the security forces and the local government units to bring normalcy in the city. We are taking a gradual phase because we want to ensure that we are doing the right thing and that we are putting to primacy the welfare of the Maranaos," said Bautista.
"We are optimistic that as long as everyone is taking the same path, we will surely win this war against terrorism," said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
"I have always said that 'education is the antidote for peace,' and with that, your armed forces will make sure that we will continue to work for the rehabilitation of the other schools, colleges and universities within the city that were affected by this crisis. We will be with the people in taking the road to normalcy," he added.
On August 22, 600 students were transported from Iligan City to the campus of the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City as classes resumed.
As of September 1, more than 9,000 MSU students joined the university's 56th Founding Anniversary celebration with Galvez as guest of honor and speaker.
Following the opening of the schools, other government offices will also soon start cleaning their respective offices in Marawi City for the possible resumption of their operations. (PR)