A MORO lawmaker is hopeful that the apology issued by President Rodrigo Duterte to the Muslim community in the wake of the ongoing war in Marawi City will "open the gate" for more dialogue with them in the future.
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Assemblyman and Marawi Crisis Management spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong said the dialogue will allow for the President to listen to "the voices of ordinary Meranao."
"We also hope that this apology opens the gate for a more productive dialogue between the President and our people so that the President may hear the pain, suffering and the voices of ordinary Meranaos so that he may take guidance from it in his subsequent actions," Adiong said in a statement Wednesday, June 21.
"We accept the apology offered by the President to the Meranao people," the lawmaker added.
Adiong also said that they "understand that given the actions taken by the ISIL-linked local militant group against civilian properties, business establishments, religious symbols, educational institutions, government utilities, and heath facilities, the national leadership needed to take a very strong action."
On May 23, Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao after the clash that erupted between government forces and the Maute terror group in Marawi.
The declaration has gained supporters and critics from various sectors, including a petition filed by more than 300 lawyers of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to lift the declaration.
Military operations have reached its 30th day Wednesday, June 21.
On Tuesday, Duterte went to Iligan City to visit evacuees. He expressed his apology to the Maranao people affected by the attack.
“I would like to say to the Maranao people that I am very, very, very sorry na nangyari ito sa atin,” he said.
"Sana sa madaling panahon, you will find a new heart to forgive my soldiers, ang gobyerno, pati ako for declaring martial law. Wala akong choice eh sinisira na ang Marawi. I have to drive them out. But I am very sorry," Duterte added.
Adiong said the Moro community "feel the sincerity of his apology" and we "applaud it." (With reports from Alan Tangcawan of SuperBalita Cebu/PNA/SunStar Philippines)