Military delivers relief for displaced Marawi residents

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The military transported Tuesday by air and sea tons of relief goods provided by local government units and other organizations for the mounting number of evacuees from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay said City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar immediately responded to the call.

Salazar turned over the relief goods through Westmincom Chief of the Unified Command Staff, Col. Reyeg and the Unified Command Staff for Civil Military Operations, U7 Lt. Col. Joel Mamon at Camp Navarro Monday night.

The relief goods included rice, boxes of sardines and noodles that were transported right away via ship of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao.

Salazar said there was an immediate need to transport the relief goods for the displaced families of Marawi City.

"We have also been in the same experience some years ago (referring to the Zamboanga siege in 2013), and we know it is never easy," Salazar said.

The Zamboanga siege happened on Sept. 9, 2013 when followers of Nur Misuari tried to hoist their flag at the city hall and held hostage several civilians.

A series of gun battles between the Misuari group and government forces ensued, resulting in the death of 105 rebels, 11 civilians, nine soldiers and five policemen.

Meanwhile, a truckload of goods were brought at the Navy headquarters and loaded by soldiers on a Navy vessel that set sail Tuesday for Iligan City.

Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. said chief executives from big companies in Manila have also coordinated to send loads of relief goods via C-130 plane.

Galvez said the military is ready to assist internally displaced people.

He said they are assessing which evacuation centers have not received enough supplies by coordinating with different government agencies.