Thematic Protection Bulletin | Closing The Gaps | Strengthening Community-Based Capacities in Response to the Marawi Humanitarian Crisis
• The armed confrontation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Pro-ISIS militants in Marawi City has forcibly displaced 98 percent of the total population of the city, as well as residents from nearby municipalities who were compelled to leave due to severe food shortage and/or constriction of local economies.
• A vast majority of the displaced population have sought shelter with their relatives, instead of going to evacuation centers. The strong sense of honor – or “maratabat” – of the Meranaw, which is the predominant ethnic group in Marawi City, is critical key to this phenomenon.
• In response, local governments of host communities such as Iligan City immediately opened evacuation centers in several locations to cater to the humanitarian needs of the displaced population. Also, government established the Regional Command and Coordination Center (RCCC) to coordinate humanitarian response to the crisis in Marawi City. The RCCC was transformed into the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) upon the activation of the National Incident Command System (NICS) after the first week of June.
