Consortium of Chinese, PHL construction firms tasked to rebuild Marawi

The interagency Task Force Bangon Marawi has chosen a consortium consisting of five Chinese and four Filipino construction companies to come up with a plan to rebuild the war-torn city.

"Ito ngayon ang ipapakita natin sa kanila at sabihin nila ano 'yung maganda rito, alin 'yung hindi namin gusto at ano ang mas gusto nating ipalit doon sa proposal ng developer, so everything is open," said Task Force Bangon Marawi chairperson Eduardo del Rosario in a report by Raffy Tima on 24 Oras on Wednesday.

Some local sectors, however, say that they are not being included in the consultations on how to rebuild their own city. While they support actions to rebuild Marawi, they said, they worry that their voices will not be heard.

"Bottoms-up sana po ang framework natin ang ating proseso. Bahay-bahay na namin ang pinaguusapan ay kami na ang mag-lead: people-led, homeowner-led and even Marawi-led," said Samira Gutoc of Ranao Rescue.

The task force had earlier denied that it is not consulting residents on the rehabilitation process.

In a statement on Monday, Task Force Bangon Marawi spokesperson Kristoffer James Purisima said the alleged lack of consultations has "no factual basis since the local government unit and other stakeholders have been involved in the consultation process."

The city was declared liberated from the Maute group on October 17, 2017, following five months of clashes between the ISIS-inspired terrorists and the military.

Heartbreak for returning bakwit

Several residents, including those whose homes were in the main battle area, were allowed to return to the area on Sunday, months after the city was declared liberated.

TIMELINE: Marawi, from eruption of conflict to a declaration of liberation

Omaima Atar turned emotional after seeing what was left of her home: broken ceilings and damaged walls.

"Wala na, naging abo lahat 'yung pinaghirapan naming mag-asawa... wala na, wala na," she said in the 24 Oras report.

"Pero gusto namin sana kahit ganito ang nangyari, gusto namin ipatayo step by step... gusto namin mag-umpisa ulit."

Samsida Mangcol, another resident, was also disheartened upon seeing what remained of the dress shop that was the source of her income for 16 years.

"Naiyak ako, nasaktan ako. Masakit; nawala buong bahay ko, tapos namatay nanay ko," she said. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News