“Peace corridor” to be established: Philippine President Duterte

By APD writer Melo Acuna

MANILA, May 31 (APD) – Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte has approved the establishment of a “peace corridor” to be manned by the implementing panels of both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to accelerate rescue and humanitarian operations for civilians trapped in Marawi City.

In a press briefing at midday today, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the creation of the corridor will ensure the safety of civilians (non-combatants) and the delivery of humanitarian aid for displaced persons.

Ms. Irene Morada Santiago, chair of the government’s implementing panel said she has been assigned to oversee the humanitarian efforts and the establishment of the peace corridor.

“This was agreed upon during the meeting between President Duterte, the members of the joint implementing panels and the top officials of the MILF,” Santiago said.

Mr. Abella added the MILF vowed to cooperate with the government in securing the said areas where peace corridors will be established.

Ms. Santiago added the memebrs of the implementing panels will meet this week to formalize the details and parameters of the peace corridor.

They would use the existing peace mechanisms through the Joint Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCHS) for the establishment of the said corridor.

Among the reasons for the establishment of the said peace corridor is to evacuate the wounded and trapped civilians and retrieve the dead for burial.

At the same briefing, Secretary Abella said 19 civilians have been killed by the Maute/Abu Sayyaf Group while government elements have rescued 960 individuals.

Forty-two enemies have been neutralized in the operations though the government claims some 47 others were killed according to eye witnesses.

Eighty-one high powered firearms were recovered in the continuing operations.

Secretary Abella said 21 government troopers were killed in action while 72 others were wounded.

“The government has focused on clearing Marawi City of militants, rescue trapped residents, recover civilian casualties and victims as well as assist local government units, civil society organizations and non-government organizations involved in relief operations,” Abel further said.

(ASIA PACIFIC DIALY)