LANAO del Sur officials are saddened by the sudden resignation of Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza but hoped that the replacement will be just as aggressive in prioritizing efforts for the Marawi rehabilitation.
Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. said Dureza is a big loss to the administration's peace-building efforts.
"Syempre, parang mag-uumpisa na naman tayo, yung pauupuin ng ating presidente, magsisimula na naman tayong makipag-usap. Malaking kawalan si Secretary Dureza, matagal na kaming partner nyan (Of course, we will start again with whom the president appoints. Secretary Dureza is a big loss. We’re long time partners)," Adiong said.
Adiong, however, said they remain optimistic and are ready to help the next secretary especially in creating programs to rebuild Marawi City.
Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur said Dureza was instrumental in creating the peace corridor during the Marawi siege, to help civilians affected by ongoing fighting between government and Maute terrorists in Marawi City.
He said the Marawi people hopes that even with Dureza's departure, they can still continue working with the Office of the Presidential Pewce Adviser (OPAPP) in making sure that Marawi rehabilitation shall still be prioritized by the Duterte administration.
Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, meanwhile, said he respects the reasons of the resignation but hopes that programs that Dureza started shall be continued.
"Officials come and go pero andyan parin yung programa patuloy pa rin yan (but the program will still continue), we respect the reasons for resigning, but we are hoping that yung programs sa OPAPP ay magpapatuloy," Gandamra said.
Dureza has announced his resignation Tuesday, November 27, by posting his resignation letter to President Rodrigo Duterte in Facebook.