As the election approaches, it is in our hands to change the lives of our kabangsa Meranao living in shelters by casting our votes for people who genuinely care about them. As Meranaos, we take great pride in our heritage. It is time to channel that pride to stand with our bangsa and advocate for their rights as victims of the 2017 Marawi siege, identified as internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Seven years have passed, yet it seems their situation remains unchanged. Throughout these years, their main source of strength has been their community, where solidarity has helped them face all the challenges that have come their way. But how long can solidarity alone sustain them?
The idea of residency is not enough. They need tangible help and immediate solutions to their problems — whether it’s assistance to relieve their burdens or opportunities to build a livelihood. A stable job to feed their families and meet everyday needs is among their primary concerns.
To better understand their plight, let us visit three key shelters in and around Marawi City. We may not fully grasp their stories in one visit, but being there allows us to witness their reality, beyond our expectations. It’s important for us to go further and contribute in any way we can.
The shelters are as follows: Boganga Lakeview Shelter in Barangay Boganga, Marawi City; Sagonsongan Area 6A in Sagonsongan, Marawi City; and Bakwit Village in Pindolonan, Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur. Why should we visit them?
Boganga Lakeview Shelter
Boganga Lakeview Shelter, a temporary shelter in Marawi City, has seven divisions with a total of 845 units and 1,189 displaced families. After its inclusion in the Marawi City plebiscite, some parts of the shelter were reclassified as barangays, with only Divisions 2, 3, and 5 currently accessible for visits.
Residents are anxious about potential eviction. In September 2023, some residents from Divisions 2, 4, and 5 received eviction notices from landowners. Although the Marawi City Mayor’s Office intervened to resolve the issue, residents still fear they may be the “next” to be evicted.
The shelter faces numerous challenges. Many youth have dropped out of school, with some saying they stopped due to the psychological impact of the Marawi siege and its effects on their families’ livelihoods. Additionally, residents continue to call for increased security, the urgent construction of a health center, and free medical support.
Other issues raised include: lack of streetlights, clogged toilets and septic tanks, irregular garbage collection, and water shortage.
Sagonsongan Area 6A
Sagonsongan Area 6, divided into Areas 6A and 6B, contains 315 shelter units. A recent fire that destroyed five houses in Area 6A makes it a crucial area to visit. Residents are currently paying rent as their contracts expired in December 2023.
Before the contracts ended, residents sought immediate action and a dialogue with landowners to discuss possible extensions. As they have yet to receive compensation, they struggle to afford rent or find viable housing.
In nearby areas, Area 1 residents opted to pay a monthly rent of P1,000 following end-of-contract notices in January 2023. In Areas 2, 3, 4, 5A, 5B, and 7, residents have not received eviction notices after their contracts expired last year. However, they still face shortages in water supply, frequent power outages, and overflowing septic tanks.
Bakwit Village Phase 2
Bakwit Village, located outside Marawi City, spans three hectares and houses 153 families (or 765 individuals) living in 130 container and cement units. Developed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) in December 2019, two years after the siege, the shelter remains in poor condition.
According to data collected by the non-profit IDEALS [Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services], there has been little improvement in the area. Initially, the residents’ contracts were set to expire on April 24, 2024, but an extension was granted until April 24, 2025. In September 2024, residents raised concerns when Pagcor failed to pay the August 2024 bill, prompting residents to pool funds to cover payment that was already due.
Samera Mangorisung, Block leader of Bakwit Village Phase 2, noted that residents received a new bill and are still struggling to cover the deficit. Some residents now ration their meals to once a day just to budget for the week. This is on top of either rent or electricity bills. Mangorisung said that her mini store has allowed her to help her fellow IDPs.
Several community visits have revealed that Bakwit Village is suffering from neglect, with issues such as overflowing septic tanks, limited clean water, and deteriorating housing conditions.
All of these reports are available on S’bang Ka Marawi on Facebook. These stories and visits provide just a glimpse into the daily struggles of IDPs. Observing these temporary shelters, it becomes clear that residents feel forgotten, shelters are not built for permanence, and residents urgently need compensation and permanent homes.
If we can’t vote for candidates prioritizing IDPs, let’s encourage our candidates to address IDP concerns in their platforms. We need leaders genuinely committed to improving IDPs’ lives. To amplify their voices, we need more people to join the campaign. Together, we can make a difference and shape our kabangsa’s future.
Let’s collectively influence our leaders and advocate for peace, freedom, and justice in Bangsamoro — now more than ever! – Rappler.com
Abdul Hafiz Tacoranga Malawani is an advocate of peace and a campus journalist from Marawi City. He is a delegate of Voices for Peace: storytelling for peace and social justice in Bangsamoro organized by IDEALS, GCERF, and S’bang Ka Mindanao. He also the associate editor of Mindanao Varsitarian, the official student publication of Mindanao State University Main Campus–Marawi.
