MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año on Sunday confirmed that a four-hour humanitarian ceasefire is now in effect in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur to facilitate the evacuation of civilians and recovery of the dead.
The ceasefire took effect 8 a.m. and will end at 12 noon, the military official dislosed.
A radio report by a reporter on the ground said, however, that at 9 a.m., the operation had not begun and some gunshots were still being heard.
“Just four hours to evacuate the trapped civilians and pick up the dead. (Cease-fire will be in effect) 8 a.m. to 12 noon,” Año said in a message to the PNA.
AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the humanitarian cease-fire was initiated by Government Implementing Panel for the Bangsamoro Peace Accords Chairperson Irene Santiago. This was approved by the AFP chief, he added.
“(The humanitarian ceasefire) will allow entry of humanitarians from the local government unit, non-government organizations, and civil society organizations in order to reach trapped residents and those needing assistance,” Padilla added.
“The military, however, did not approve entry into high-risk areas to avoid putting our humanitarians in danger and any possibility that may complicate the situation,” he stressed.
Fighting in Marawi City against Maute Group terrorists has been on its second week with 120 of the lawless elements killed and 38 killed in the government side with 19 civilians believed to be executed by the brigands.
