Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 13) — The armed forces launched on Tuesday #OgopMarawi to extend help to their comrades and displaced families in war-torn Marawi City.
Ogop, the Maranao word for help, is intended to help rebuild the lives of the people affected by the crisis.
“Help us win the fight against terrorism, help us protect our children better,” army civil-military operations group commander Col. Thomas Sedano Jr. said.
Under #OgopMarawi are three programs: relief operations, Project Shoebox, and Bayanihan para sa Bayani ng Bayan.
The relief operations seek to help around 177,000 residents displaced by the three-week-long fighting.
Project Shoebox, on the other hand, will give basic school supplies to about 50,000 children affected by the conflict.
Meanwhile, “Bayanihan para sa Bayani ng Bayan” (cooperation for heroes) will give soldiers in Marawi a shoe box with a shirt, two pairs of socks, a personal hygiene kit, and a letter recognizing the sacrifices of the men in uniform.
“Napakalaking bagay ng pagpapakita ng bawat Pilipino ng pasasalamat at pagtitiwala sa bawat sundalo. Ito ay lalong nagpapatibay ng kanilang loob at nagbibigay lakas sa kanila na ipagpatuloy ang laban,” Philippine Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Robert Arevalo said.
[Translation: Filipinos trust to the soldiers means a lot. This boosts their morale, and encourages them to continue the fight.]
CNN Philippines’ Joyce Ilas contributed to this report.
