Maranaos in Marawi protected Christian residents and workers in the city from Maute militants who wanted to harm non-Muslims.
Former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Deputy Governor Norodin Alonto Lucman took 71 Christian residents under his care until they were all rescued by the military on June 3.
Government troops and the rescue team of the Provincial Crisis Management Center was able to secure the safety of 163 civilians that day.
The 71 Christians Lucman brought to his house together with other Muslims, included 13 workers of a communication firm, 33 Dansalan Junior college teachers, women, and children.
“We are committed to the protection of Christians in our province. That is the legacy of our departed elders to instill in our lives, hearts, and minds the need for Muslim-Christian harmony in this country,” Lucman said, according to Rappler.
“I have to take responsibility for the lives of Muslims and Christians who are in my hands. I’m sure the family shares this,” Lucman said.
Jayare Libanta, one of the communications tower workers, said Maute members respected Lucman so they were not harmed.
Libanta added the refugees survived by rationing the food and collected rain for their drinking water during the 11 days they were trapped in Marawi City.
Photo Credit: Bombo Radyo
