FULL TEXT: ‘After the war, let’s not forget the toil that lies ahead’

Rappler.com

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FULL TEXT: ‘After the war, let’s not forget the toil that lies ahead’
Read the full statement made by Marawi crisis spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong on Monday, October 23, after the military declares the end of combat operations

The local goverment celebrated the end of the war in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, but crisis spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong reminds everyone of the harder work that lies ahead. Read his full statement he made on Monday, October 23. 

Assalamu Alaikom Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh! Today marks a huge milestone in the history of Lanao del Sur, this country – our country, and perhaps the whole world. Today, our province can regain the sense of pride that existed before May 23 of this year. Today we begin to see the light behind the tunnel; and most importantly, today we have achieved a great victory!

I must not forget to address this message of gratitude to all our troops who have tirelessly fought in the last few months in our city – our gratitude to our splendid men goes forth from all our hearts in this city and the entire province.

We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing right now; but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead. Remember that we will be at our best if we do not let fear paralyze or obsess us. We will be at our best if we instead optimistically and enthusiastically begin the next chapter in our province’s growth.

Achieving this victory does not mean the end of threats. Life is never free of dangers. I wish I could tell you that no Meranao and non-Meranao alike will ever again be killed or wounded by a terrorist – and that no other person on this province will be either. But I cannot say that, and you could not believe me if I did. Life brings risk – especially life in an open society, like the one that people of this land have sacrificed in the history and for centuries to create.

We must recognize that the end of this war is only the first step toward building the peace. We must now see to it that this is a peace that lasts, and also a peace that heals – and a peace that not only ends the war in Marawi but contributes to the prospects of peace in the whole country.

As I see it, the time has come to look forward to an agenda for the future, to unify, to bind up the Nation’s wounds, and to restore its health and its optimistic self- confidence.

So, I ask you to join me in helping to write that agenda. I am as determined as a Governor can be to seek rediscovery of the belief in ourselves that characterized the most creative periods in the history of our province. The greatest challenge of unity and the so-called “Meranao Pride,” as I see it, lies ahead.

I would like to note that the end of Marawi siege reflects a larger transition. The tide of war is receding. And before we know it, we will rejoice at the homecoming of our beloved citizens who were displaced during the height of this war.

In the coming months, years, or decades, let us always be reminded of the greatest lesson of our time – to love, respect, and unity. Inshaallah!

And finally, TODAY we celebrate the beginning of the most resilient and peace-loving Lanao del Sur! We will continue to deal with the struggles of our time. – Rappler.com 

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