🇵🇭 'Now we are suffering even more': Marawi frustrated a year after siege | Al Jazeera English

Summary

During Ramadan in Marawi City, Philippines, the silence of minarets marks the anniversary of a war with an ISIL-inspired group. The conflict displaced hundreds of thousands and killed over a thousand. Despite martial law until the end of the year and promises of reconstruction by 2022, locals demand more inclusive rebuilding. Concerns over transparency and military presence, along with Chinese company contracts, are rising. The city, once under Islamic law, now lies devastated, with a lingering sense of death and fear that the war's end is not yet in sight.

Takeaways

• ⏳ It's been a year since the war in Marawi began, marking the start of Ramadan with silent minarets.
• 🏹 An armed group inspired by ISIL, known as the Maute, took control of the city and raised their flag over government buildings.
• 💣 The conflict between the Philippine military and the Maute group resulted in at least a thousand deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands.
• 📢 Locals are urging the government to involve them in reconstruction plans, emphasizing the importance of individual consent.
• 🚧 The region of Mindanao is under martial law until the end of the year, with President Rodrigo Duterte's government promising reconstruction by 2022.
• 🏢 The government has reportedly awarded most of the reconstruction contracts to Chinese companies, which has raised concerns among the locals.
• 🗣️ There's a call for the government to listen to the people and allow them to control their narrative.
• 🔍 The lines between rebels and state forces are now blurred, with both sides accused of looting, burning, and destroying homes.
• 🏙️ Marawi, once a city under Islamic law and a thriving cultural center, is now largely empty and reeking of death.
• 🕌 The destruction of mosques in Marawi is deeply painful to worshipers, who liken it to a bullet wound.
• 😡 There is growing discontent and anger among communities, with fears that the war may not be entirely over.

Q & A

What is the significance of the fasting month of Ramadan in the context of the script?

The fasting month of Ramadan is significant as it sets the backdrop for the anniversary of the war in Marawi, highlighting the contrast between the religious observance and the ongoing conflict.

Who is the armed group that took control of Marawi city?

The armed group that took control of Marawi city is inspired by ISIL and is called the Maute group.

What was the Maute group's symbol that they raised over government buildings?

The Maute group raised their black flag over several government buildings as a symbol of their control.

How many people were killed in the fighting between the Philippine military and the Maute group?

At least a thousand people were killed in the fighting.

What is the demand of the people of Marawi regarding the reconstruction plans?

The people of Marawi are demanding that the government be more inclusive, allowing them to rebuild their homes alongside public infrastructure.

Under what condition is the region of Mindanao until the end of the year?

The region of Mindanao is under martial law until the end of the year.

What is the government's promise regarding the reconstruction of Marawi?

President Rodrigo Duterte's government has promised to complete the reconstruction of Marawi by 2022.

What concern do rights groups have about the reconstruction process?

Rights groups are concerned that the reconstruction process needs to be more transparent.

What is the government's plan for the heart of Marawi?

The government plans to build a military camp right in the heart of Marawi, which is causing concern among the people.

To which companies has the Philippine government reportedly awarded most of the reconstruction contracts?

The Philippine government has reportedly awarded most of the reconstruction contracts to Chinese companies.

What is the current state of Marawi city after the conflict?

Marawi city is largely empty with a lingering smell of death, and many of its structures, including mosques, are destroyed.

What is the emotional impact of the mosque's destruction on the worshipers?

The destruction of the mosque hurts the worshipers deeply, like a bullet wound.

What is the sentiment among communities in Marawi regarding the end of the war?

There is growing discontent and anger among communities in Marawi, with fears that the war is not quite over.