Brigada Eskwela at MSU launched

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Soldiers, members of the academic community and local government personnel launched Brigada Eskwela at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City yesterday in preparation for the opening of classes.

 The  resumption of classes at MSU has been delayed amid the ongoing fighting between Maute terrorists and government troops. 

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) and Joint Task Force Marawi spokesperson, said soldiers joined university staff in repairing the facilities and cleaning the premises for the opening of classes next week.

Florencio Recoleto, acting vice chancellor for academic affairs, said police and military officials gave assurance that they would provide security during the opening of classes.

Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom commander, said the MSU is the ”center of hope and freedom in the city.”

“With education, everyone can have freedom,” Galvez said. “Today we reclaim that victory, because we will open MSU. There is no turning back.”

Marawi Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra expressed confidence that everything will normalize in the city again.

“MSU is now getting a headstart to pick up the pieces and move forward,” Gandamra said.