Military finishes clearing roads of unexploded bombs in Marawi

November 10, 2017

The military has completed the clearing operation of roads in the main battle area of Marawi City, a spokesman said Friday.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has already cleared 100 percent of roads in the main battle area of Marawi as recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts continue,” Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP Public Affairs Office chief said.

“Our construction engineers from the Army, Air Force, and Navy have been working day in and day out to ensure that 100 percent of the primary roads and bridges in the main battle area of Marawi are passable and cleared of unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices (IEDs),” he added.

Arevalo said more than 500 military engineers were deployed in the city as part of the Joint Engineer Task Group (JETG) which supports the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation operations being led by Task Force Bangon Marawi.

“As of this report, the JETG has already completed the ground preparation of portions of temporary resettlement area in Sagon-songan while clearing operations continue in the main battle area,” he said.

“Aside from engineer manpower, we have utilized our construction vehicles and equipment to clear-off rubbles and debris as well as in the demolition of buildings in the city’s main battle area. We are yet to identify possible dump sites locations for the unexploded ordnance and IEDs,” he added.

Arevalo said among “vehicles being used in the ground development operations are dozers, pay loaders, backhoe loaders, skid steers, road graders, and excavator.”

He said the JETG is also tasked to support the restoration of water and electricity to selected government centers, and places of worships in the city.

“Among the establishments that need repair and rehabilitation are St. Mary’s Church, Grand Mosque, and Bato Mosque,” said Arevalo.

General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, AFP chief of staff emphasized the importance of military engineers on the rehabilitation of Marawi.

“The AFP lauds our combat engineers who, in the first weeks of the Marawi crisis have been present in the main battle area to support our operating units. As we transition to the rehabilitation phase, their services will significantly be needed in order to successfully get Marawi back on its feet,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS