Osmeña: We’ll shelter refugees of Marawi

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is willing to extend assistance to the affected residents in Marawi City where there is a continuing clash between law enforcers and Maute terrorist group.

He also said that the city government is likewise willing to help refugees from Marawi City if ever they want to come to Cebu City.

“Whether it is from Marawi or not, if people are in need, we will help them,” he told reporters.

To identify the needs of the residents there, he is sending City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office Head Nagiel Bañacia to Marawi.

He said Bañacia would identify where Cebu City could be of assistance to the people there to avoid duplication of aid.

Osmeña, however, said he would let Bañacia go to the area only if there is no longer tension there, for his safety.

Bañacia along with two personnel from his office, would conduct a post-disaster assessment there.

“In the first place, there are neighboring cities there that can help them, Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga, Cagayan De Oro, Iligan City,” the mayor said.

Last February, he did the same thing by sending Bañacia to visit Surigao City, which was hit by a magnitude 6.7 earthquake.

Meanwhile, as part of security measures in the city, Osmeña last Thursday met up with the leaders of the 40,00-strong Muslim community here to request their help in keeping the city safe.

“We told them that we need their help to prevent anyone coming from here to create trouble,” he said.

Earlier, Osmeña said the Muslim community has been a great help in terms of securing the city. One good example is every Sinulog celebration January each year. (FREEMAN)