A CARAVAN around nine barangays and a gathering was held yesterday in Marawi, led by the city government, for a “symbolic return” of residents displaced by the five-month siege that left much of the city in ruins. The caravan covered the areas declared cleared by the military, which fought against Islamic State-inspired terrorists who launched a rampage on May 23. These areas include the villages of Matampay, Basak Malutlut, East Basak, Marawi Poblacion, Loksa Datu, Barrio Green, Saber, Panggao Saduc, and Tampilong. The ceremony was highlighted by the symbolic restoration of power and water supply, clean-up activities, and deployment of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams.

POWER SUPPLY
Meanwhile, the Lanao Del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Lasureco), the electricity distributor in Marawi, has issued guidelines for returning residents within the nine cleared barangays. Lasureco General Manager Nordjiana Lucman Dipatuan-Ducol, in a social media post, said for existing member-consumers, they “will ONLY require an UPDATE,” which means the submission of 2 pieces of a of 2×2 ID picture, valid ID, and filling up a form available at the satellite office at the Lanao del Sur provincial capitol. Ms. Ducol stressed that there will be no fee collected from existing consumers, “contrary to what others have stated.” On the other hand, “For those illegally tapped or have no existing account yet… the requirements for application are also provided in our office,” which includes “requirements set forth… by the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) & PNP (Philippine National Police) for purposes of security and profiling.” Ms. Ducol also assured “that LASURECO will not be a hindrance, in any way whatsover, in the desire of the Maranao to return in their respective homes.” — Mindanao Bureau

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