On Friday, September 6th, a group of hostages from the besieged city of Marawi in the southern Philippines were released. The group included twelve people – a mix of civilians and military personnel – who had been held captive for several months.
The hostages were liberated after the Philippine military launched a series of operations to push back the pro-ISIL forces who had occupied the city of Marawi. The hostages wrapped in blankets and masks to conceal their identities were quickly Reunited with their families who had been eagerly awaiting their arrival.
The long and bloody battle of Marawi, begun in May 2017, had left hundreds of local residents and military personnel dead, and thousands more displaced. To the relief of many, the Marawi conflict officially ended on October 23rd.
In an attempt to further repair the injuries of the region, the Islamic militant group which had taken control of the city established a “Humanitarian Working Group” to coordinate the release of the hostages. Aided by this group, the government was able to secure the group’s release with no bloodshed.
As the twelve hostages were reunited with their families, the government was keen to ensure their safety. The Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process stated that the government would be monitoring their well-being and offering any necessary support.
The capture of Marawi by pro-ISIL forces had been a source of severe tension in the Philippines. The government was engaged in a much-publicised war on drugs, and ISIL sought to capitalize on this unrest to further their own cause.
The release of the hostages is a much-needed sign of peace and progress for the country of the Philippines. This progress serves as a reminder that even in times of conflict and unrest, there is still hope for the future.