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Filipino community in UAE comes together for Marawi

Hundreds of Filipinos are expected to turn out at a major gig happening this weekend in Bur Dubai to show solidarity and support for their brothers and sisters displaced by the ongoing armed conflict in Marawi, which has entered its second month.

U4M A Tribute to Humanity

The war in Marawi City has been taking its toll on thousands of residents now taking refuge at various evacuation centers. Roy Tamano, senior  HR and administrative officer at Sharjah Co-operative Society and adviser with the Maranao Community in UAE, said the situation has become “very complicated.”

‘(The task is) to rebuild the city and address the questions regarding how to manage the situation of the internally displaced persons as most of their possessions are gone; their houses burned and means of livelihood lost.

He explained: “Even with the ouster of the terrorists from the place, there is no guarantee that  the war will end, it will just transform into another kind of war to rebuild the city and address the questions regarding how to manage the situation of IDPs or Internally Displaced Persons as most of their possessions are gone; their houses burned and means of livelihood lost.”

civilians

The group is also exploring possibilities of supporting medical missions at the evacuation centers through the National Power Corp.’s corporate social responsibility department (Napocor-CSR)

Organized by Dark Room Project, in coordination with Musicians United and Maranao Community in UAE, the night-long gig, with doors opening at 6pm at The Music Room of Majestic Hotel, will feature nine powerhouse bands with full support thrown in by various organizations, among them Alpha Phi Omega (APO),   UAE Iliganons – Anak sa Iligan UAE, Maranao Community in UAE, Filipino Car Clubs of the UAE, and the Unified Filipino Airsoft Club – Gulf Airsoft Federation, Sangguniang Masang Pilipino Int’l. Inc. (SMPII) and DXBS – Dubai Sneakerheads.

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Performing bands  are   Herbalution, Ocean Light, Pull Box, Primrose and the ever popular Up The Ante. Also in the line-up are the 3-piece metal act, Ras Al Ghul, the powerful Overdrive and British classic rock act Honorem amici absentis. The event is also being headlined by Universal signed rock band, Vin Sinners who are on due to release their 3rd record later this year.

Dubbed, “United for Marawi (Mara We): A tribute to Humanity,” John Mark Cruz, Dark Room Project co-founder and volunteer, said the feedback from the community has been overwhelming.

“The conditions of the distressed compatriots at the evacuation centers are heartbreaking, “ he said.  

Tamano expressed gratitude to the initiative. “We are very much grateful for the organizers,” he said.    

According to media reports from the Philippines, around 562 terrorists have been killed, 128 government troops have died in action and 45 civilians have been killed by the terrorists in Marawi as of August 13.

The Dark Room Project is an independent organization supporting events for a cause.

 

DISPLACED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. Residents of Marawi City at the evacuation centers. (File photos from Al Jazeera correspondent Jamela Aisha Alindogan’s Facebook page taken with permission)

 

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