Peace and friendship in Lanao del Sur

Lanao del Sur government officials visit the so-called Ground Zero or Main Battle Area of Marawi for the first time following the end of the conflict. The 2017 Battle of Marawi still occupies a singular place in people’s narratives, and conversations would typically feature anecdotes about it. — Philippine Information Agency

I am spending the night in Marawi City, here in the main campus of Mindanao State University (MSU) after a three-day trip to Mount Makaturing, a densely forested, almost 2,000m active volcano, in Butig, the town widely considered to be the cradle of Meranaw culture.

The whole trip was a logistical challenge, but as a sign of the times, we were warmly welcomed in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front satellite camp in Butig, and were told with great confidence that “it is very safe” to climb the mountain. Our team leader Rodgen Rosco, club president of the Marawi-based MSU Mountaineering Club Inc. said that the Butig local government unit also enthusiastically approved our hike. Further facilitating our trip was the presence and participation of two young Maranao hikers, Osama Adiong and Abdulhaq Macabuat; Sam and Haq not only joined our sojourn but also introduced us to their culture.