A local leader known for his heroic act during the deadly Marawi siege four years ago has died.
Agakhan Sharief who negotiated for the release of 255 people trapped in the middle of a fierce battle between government forces and Maute terrorists, died Tuesday, May 25. He was 49.
Sharief was said to have been suffering from liver cirrhosis for years until his death at the Amai Pakpak Hospital in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur.
A street parliamentarian and veteran negotiator who was part of the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Team during the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Sharief is best known for appealing with the military and Maute militants to enter into a ceasefire and allow civilians to exit the city to safety during the 2017 Marawi conflict.
While he was initially derided by President Duterte for his actions, Sharief was given an award by the government in 2018 for his role in the rescuing civilians.
Aside from the killing of 1,000 terrorists and 250 government troopers and civilians and injuries to 1,400, there are approximately 1.1 million displaced residents, most of whom were relocated to temporary shelters after the cessation of hostilities.
The siege started May 23, 2017 and ended October 23 the same year.