MILF: MILF Volunteer At The Forefront Of Saving Civilian Lives In Marawi

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 12): MILF Volunteer At The Forefront Of Saving Civilian Lives In Marawi

A Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) volunteer is at the forefront of saving the lives of civilians caught in the fierce fighting between government forces and the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute group and Abu Sayyaf in Marawi City, an online Philstar report said on June 12.
Oshama Ali has been involved in the rescue of 217 civilians trapped in hostilities in Marawi city since he volunteered for the risky job last week.

Osama told Philstar that, “Everybody is afraid to venture into the area where fighting is ongoing. But the objective is to deliver humanitarian aid and save lives. Because if you manage to save lives, it’s a big deal for us (in the MILF).”

In the latter part of last month, a safe route for civilians trapped in Marawi or “Peace Corridor” was agreed upon in a meeting between MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza and President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City.

For the GPH-MILF Peace Corridor, the MILF leaders chose Oshama to act as team leader for the Joint Coordination, Monitoring, and Assistance Center (JCMAC), the body that protects the Peace Corridor.

The JCMAC is composed of volunteers from the government, MILF, and Non-Violent Peace Force tasked to provide a safe route for affected civilians.

Oshama has also been serving as a member of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) prior to his appointment to JCMAC.

Oshama admitted having encountered difficulties in bringing trapped civilians to a safer place since last June 4, the day he started his work along with other volunteers.

JCMAC volunteers rescued at least 179 civilians on the first day (June 4) and on its second attempt last Thursday, JCMAC brought 38 more civilians to safety.

Oshama, however, brushed aside the difficulty and the danger to his life in fulfilling the mission of the JCMAC, said the Philstar report.

Another report by Philstar said, four more trapped civilians were rescued by Peace Corridor volunteers from the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), in coordination with the AFP-Western Mindanao Command units under Commander Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr. early yesterday in the city’s Bangolo area.

The three Maranaos and one Christian have been trapped in Barangay Moncado Colony, Marawi City since the start of the conflict.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/885/milf-volunteer-at-the-forefront-of-saving-civilian-lives-in-marawi