Bgy. Buru-un, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte
June 20, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte made his very first evacuation center visit for displaced families brought by the ongoing armed conflict in Marawi City at the Iligan City National School of Fisheries in Barangay Buru-un, Iligan City.

In his speech, the President expressed hope that the armed conflict will end soon in Marawi as he continues to reach out to rebel groups to talk peace. He told the evacuees that the government would set aside around P20 billion to help the poor and to fund the rehabilitation of Marawi City and other areas in Mindanao.

“Huwag kayong mag-alala, tutulungan ko kayo hindi ko kayo papabayaan hanggang relocation and then we will rehabilitate Marawi. Gaganda ‘yan ulit,” he vowed.

The President also asked for the understanding and forgiveness of the Maranao people affected by the conflict and his declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.

President Duterte gave a certain amount of cash and witnessed the ceremonial distribution of financial assistance to some representatives from the 174 families staying temporarily at the center.

According to the situation report (as of June 19, 2017) of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Emergency Operations Center, there are 62,296 families or 338,536 persons displaced since the start of the Marawi siege. There are now 83 evacuation centers currently open with 3,747 families or 17,724 persons. Iligan City has five ECs in the following areas: Maria Cristina Gymnasium, Buru-un School of Fisheries, Buru-un Gymnasium, Bayanihan Gymnasium (Bgy. Sta. Elena) and Tibanga Gymnasium.

All agencies of the government, as well as the private sector, are closely working together to bring immediate assistance to internally displaced families like the relief goods and family food packs distribution.

Senator Miguel Zubiri, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Education Secretary Leonor Briones, Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Dangcal Alonto (Mindanao Development Authority), DSWD-ARMM Secretary Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr., Presidential Adviser for Overseas Filipino Workers Abdullah Mama-o, Office of Civil Defense Administrator Ricardo Jalad, Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Rafael Yabut and Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Hope Hervilla were among those present during the visit.

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