MARAWI CITY – The composite government and MILF teams opened another Peace Corridor to ensure the safe passage of humanitarian aid and civilian protection activities spanning the length from Malabang, Lanao del Sur to Marawi City.
Humanitarian aid flowed through the Peace Corridor to civilians displaced by the Marawi crisis who fled to the municipalities of Lanao del Sur, including Malabang, Madamba, Bubong, Masiu, Marantao and Ditsain Ramain.
On Thursday, June 8, several organizations deployed vans and trucks carrying food, medicines and other aid. The ARMM Regional Command Center facilitated the deployment of medical doctors and supplies of the International Committee on the Red Cross in Tamparan, Lanao del Sur.
Food aid was distributed by the United Bangsamoro Humanitarian Assistance (UBHA) in the municipalities straddling Lake Lanao. The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) of the MILF also coordinated the movement of humanitarian aid.
The creation of the Peace Corridor was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte in order to ensure a safe and secure space for the elderly, women, men and children fleeing the crisis in Marawi and to establish a secure route so that humanitarian assistance could pass through.
President Duterte named Irene M. Santiago, Chair of the Government Implementing Panel for the Bangsamoro Peace Accords, to head the effort.
Santiago explained that there are now two kinds of Peace Corridors: one that is involved in rescue of trapped civilians and recovery of dead bodies in Marawi City; and another that ensures free flow of humanitarian aid through a secure corridor.
The Peace Corridor is a joint effort of the GPH and MILF Peace Implementing Panels. They established two Joint Coordinating, Monitoring, and Assistance Centers (JCMAC) in Marawi City and Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
Assistant Secretary Dickson Hermoso is the Government’s focal person for the Peace Corridors, while Mr. Mohajirin Ali is the official MILF representative.
In the performance of its function, the JCMAC is closely coordinating with the ARMM, Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and other concerned units on the ground.
