Philippines: Bishop of Marawi 'Let us pray the war ends soon'

The fighting between Philippine troops and Muslim militants in the southern Mindanao city of Marawi has destroyed most of its buildings. It has devastated lives for the past six weeks and local people are exasperated. Bishop Edwin De la Pena, who heads Marawi's apostolic prelature, has said, "Let us pray and hope that the war ends soon". He described the situation as “exhausting”: "More than 40 days of guerrilla war have gone by and our beautiful city of Marawi has been reduced to rubble. We are suffering for Fr Chito and the other hostages. We hope with all our heart and pray that the war in Marawi ends soon."

The conflict between the Philippine army and terrorists faithful to ISIS started on 23 May. According to official data, up to 5 July, 351 Jihadists have been killed, 39 civilians, and 85 Filipino soldiers, while the Filipino army have been using strategic advice and technology provided by the US Army. In a battle that has been going on far more than expected - which shows the careful preparation of the terrorist attack - President Duterte hopes that the crisis will end before the next state speech on the state of the nation on 23 July, the same day that the two months of martial law proclaimed in Mindanao on 23 May expires.

Nearly 400,000 residents have abandoned Marawi and outlying towns in Lanao del Sur province. Tens of thousands are currently being sheltered in 78 evacuation centers in Mindanao. Church workers are distributing humanitarian supplies to help people survive until the crisis is over.

Bishop De La Pena said: "There is a lot of tension. There are no negotiations, but fighting continues. Meanwhile many refugees are demoralized. As Christian and Muslim leaders we are showing all our solidarity. The community of the baptized continues to pray.”