Marawi task force to prioritize mosque reconstruction, repairs

Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) is set to prioritize the reconstruction and repair of mosques inside Marawi City's most affected areas in the following months, its chairman said on Saturday.

Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario, also the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary, said the Task Force and its implementing agencies will prioritize ongoing repairs on the Islamic places of worship that were either damaged or destroyed during the 2017 siege.

Del Rosario made the statement on Friday as he inspected, together with Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra, TFBM Field Office Manager Assistant Secretary Felix Castro Jr., and DHSUD Chief of Staff Zyril Carlos, the Masjid Disomangcop, White Mosque, and the Marinaut Mosque.

Del Rosario said P15.5 million was allotted for the repair of the White Mosque, which is set to be completed within six to eight months based on its timetable.

The DHSUD chief said that funds used for the repair and reconstruction of mosques are donations from private developers involved in the housing sector nationwide.

The Grand Mosque and the Dansalan Bato Ali Mosque, which bore the impact of the five-month-long battle between government forces and ISIS terrorists, are also set to be repaired.

Some P150 million will also be spent on the reconstruction of the Bato Mosque, said Del Rosario. — DVM, GMA News