‘Solidarity appeal’ for Marawi launched

MANILA – The Catholic Church’s social action arm on Monday launched a “solidarity appeal” to dioceses to extend help to people displaced by by the ongoing clash between government troops and the Maute terrorist group.

“The national Caritas is now appealing to your generosity for any assistance to augment the needs of the internally displaced persons affected by the Marawi siege,” said Caritas Philippines head Cáceres Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona in a letter to 85 dioceses and social action directors nationwide.

The agency has initially released Php 300,000 to support the relief efforts of the Diocese of Iligan.

Private individuals and groups who wish to donate may do so through the following bank account:

• Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands
• Branch: Intramuros, Manila
• Account Name: CBCP CARITAS FILIPINAS FOUNDATION, INC. NASSA
• Account Number: 4951-0071-08

Other dioceses Mindanao have also started helping the Prelature of Marawi assist the displaced families.

Thousands of families have been displaced from Marawi City and are now staying at different evacuation centers in ligan City and in nearby towns.

The archbishop said a Caritas Philippines assessment team has been deployed to Mindanao this week to further check on the needs of those affected.

Data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development showed that more than 55,000 families have fled their homes following the crisis in Marawi.

There are no updates yet on the status of Prelature of Marawi Vicar General Fr. Chiro Suganod and 15 other civillians, who were abducted by the Maute group last week from the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Marawi City.

Caritas Manila has also sent an initial Php 500,000 and 100 cavans of rice to augment the Iligan diocese’s relief operations.

Marawi Bishop Edwin Dela Peña said much more needs to be done as he emphasizes the need to aid the evacuees.

“Food, clean water, blankets, sleeping mats, and other essentials remain the top priorities,” he said.CBCPNews