The most affected area in Marawi City remains largely a ghost town with over 8,000 of its former residents still living in transitional shelters, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. (Photo courtesy of ICRC)

Unresolved issues in Marawi City—eight years after the deadly siege—remain significant obstacles that hinder both the government and residents from attaining lasting peace in the southern Philippines, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

“It is disheartening to see so many families – around 8,200 people – living for eight years in inadequate conditions in shelters that were supposed to be temporary. They are now paying rent and yet have irregular access to clean water, adding immense strain to their daily lives,” Johannes Bruwer, head of the Manila delegation of the ICRC, said in a statement.

The organization noted that residents are still dealing with long-term displacement, insufficient government assistance, and the absence of answers for families whose loved ones have been missing since the siege.

Marawi City came under siege on May 23, 2017 from violent extremist groups led by the Maute terrorist group and Abu Sayyaf Group, and those aligned with local and regional affiliates of the Islamic State (ISIS).

An urban battle between the extremists and government forces raged for five months, killing over 900 militants, 168 government troops, and 87 civilians, and displacing 1.1 million civilians. The siege concluded on Oct. 23, 2017 – days after the death of Maute Group leader Omar Maute and ASG head Isnilon Hapilon.

Since then, the national government made significant efforts in trying to bring back normalcy in Marawi, including the construction of public infrastructure in the most affected area (MAA) and the creation of the Marawi Compensation Board. 

But the ICRC said that rebuilding the victims’ homes remains a “distant dream” for some families who claim that the compensation they received “is not enough,” and for those who are burdened by the documentation required to receive their payouts.

“Eight years is a long time; people have been displaced for far too long. For the residents, returning to their neighborhoods is a step toward normalcy and a necessary part of their healing. Ensuring their full recovery is not only a humanitarian imperative but also key to lasting peace,” Bruwer said.

Apart from the emotional burden, the organization pointed out that families have consistently expressed concern over the challenging process of securing legal documents to certify the absence or presumed death of their missing loved ones.

The ICRC urged the national, regional, and local governments – especially its newly elected officials – to work together to hasten the rebuilding of the most affected area while ensuring that basic services are provided to people in transitional shelters.

The ICRC has advocated for people whose lives were upended by the Marawi conflict, including the families of the missing since 2017. The ICRC said it has assisted more than 400 families of missing people by providing mental health and psychosocial support and through livelihood initiatives from 2017 to 2024.

It added that it has been supporting the Philippine National Police-Forensic Group with technical advice, capacity-building, and material support toward the identification of remains in the Maqbara and Dalipuga cemeteries.

“We urge the Philippine authorities to provide answers as soon as possible to the families who have been patiently waiting. The authorities need to take the necessary steps to clarify the fate and whereabouts of the missing, as well as identify the remains that have been found. By doing so, the government will help the families move toward healing and trust-building,” Bruwer said.

“Beyond just remembering the missing people of Marawi, let us realize their families’ shared hope for more support and for closure, so that they can move forward with peace in their hearts.”