MARAWI CITY – “Kapag nakapagligtas ka ng buhay, malaking advantage yan,” said Oshama Ali, a volunteer from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) working for the success of the Peace Corridor.
The MILF leaders have chosen Oshama to act as team leader for the Joint Coordination, Monitoring, and Assistance Center (JCMAC) – the body that executes the Peace Corridor.
The JCMAC is composed of volunteers from the government, MILF, and Non-Violent PeaceForce tasked to provide a safe route for the trapped civilians in the city.
Oshama has also been serving as member of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), a body that addresses criminality and terrorism in areas with MILF presence.
On the last week of May, MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim with the help of Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Jesus G. Dureza met personally with President Roridgo Duterte to discuss the concept of Peace Corridor.
The President immediately gave his approval for the government and MILF panels to implement the corridor.
The Peace Corridor was established in the three-kilometer Banggulo Bridge to the Quezon Avenue to allow rescue and relief operations.
Oshama is also observing Ramadan, a time for prayer and religious devotion for all Muslims. When asked if he can manage to do heavy work while fasting, Oshama answered right away, “Okay lang ‘yan, no problem. Obligation naming maglitas ng buhay ng kapwa namin.”
Despite of the difficulties in bringing the trapped civilians into a safer place, the JCMAC was able to rescue 179 trapped women, men, children and elderly during its first attempt in 4 June 2017.
On its second attempt on Thursday, it was able to bring 38 more civilians to safety – making it a total of 217 saved people.
“Lahat ay may takot, pero ang objective is to deliver humanitarian aid. Kasi kung maka-save ka ng buhay malaking bagay na ‘yon para sa amin,” Oshama emphasized the importance of saving lives. ###
