Atrocities

Civilians who have managed to escape the fighting in Marawi have said that the terrorists are beheading civilians, particularly Christians. But according to the AFP spokesperson, there has been no confirmation of the said beheadings, in that they have yet to find a headless corpse in Marawi. But since the start of the crisis, reports of beheadings were already being made. A civilian has stated that he escaped being beheaded by the Maute fighters twice before escaping to safety. He also confirmed that beheadings have indeed taken place. Christians are the victims. Inasmuch as nobody wants to see the Marawi crisis as a conflict between Muslims and Christians, the Maute terrorists are doing everything to turn it into one.

According to the latest military briefing, the Maute fighters are starting to weaken. The leadership is crumbling, with logistical problems in ammunition and communication. But the recent discovery of bullets and gun parts inside a relief package destined for Marawi indicate support for the terrorists even outside of the city. The military cannot ascertain if Isnalon Hapilon is still in the city, as he may have fled the fighting realizing that it was a lost cause. But the fighting continues despite all these positive statements from the military. The airstrikes continue, with no clear end in sight.

We are all waiting for that day when the military finally declares victory, and that Marawi is once again free from terrorism. What we do not want to discover are headless corpses, confirming the beheadings committed by Maute fighters. The extent of atrocities against civilians still cannot be measured, as there are still areas where the soldiers cannot penetrate due to the resistance from the remaining Maute terrorists. But innocent civilians should not be dragged into the fight. 

The government is right to turn down a supposed offer by one of the Maute siblings to exchange his parents for a priest being held captive. There must be no negotiations with terrorists, ever, as it may set a dangerous precedent. Especially after the death and destruction they have wreaked on Marawi. That alone should erode whatever support Maute enjoys from Muslims. They may be targeting Christians, but the majority of the hundreds of thousands adversely affected by their attack are Muslims. Those forced to live in squalid conditions, even those in evacuation centers are suffering on a daily basis. No amount of relief can replace the comforts of a home, be it ever so humble. If they still have a home to go back to.

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