Zarate has people’s welfare in mind

This is in response to the letter of Charisse Viceral titled “Distressing ‘public servant”’ (Opinion, 6/26/17).

I wish to inform Viceral that House Resolution No. 1075 was filed by Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate with the welfare of the people of Marawi, Mindanao, and the entire country in mind. This is in response to the growing concerns of many sectors, especially those affected by the Marawi conflict. The resolution hopes to shed light on the involvement of US troops, amidst conflicting statements by the military, and the latter’s refusal to let several humanitarian groups extend help to the people of Marawi.

Zarate, himself a Mindanaoan, and the undersigned joined the July National Interfaith Humanitarian Mission to conduct medical, psychosocial and relief activities to those affected by the crisis and, hopefully, to get a clearer picture of the situation in the city. This was the team that was refused entry by the military to Marawi City. Despite this, Zarate was able to spend time with the evacuees, mostly in Iligan City, listen to their experiences, and saw for himself their difficult situation. As the evacuees have shared, they are calling for the immediate stoppage of aerial bombings and lifting of martial law. Most of them believe that the entry of US troops in the area would only further complicate the situation in the city. Zarate’s resolution and his other legislative measures are in response to the calls of the evacuees and other marginalized sectors.

Without legislators like Zarate, who on record has pushed meaningful propeople measures like the SSS pension increase, the interests of the many marginalized sectors would not be heard.

I sincerely hope that Viceral joins us in heeding the evacuees’ call for the immediate lifting of martial law in Mindanao and put a stop to the ongoing air strikes that destroy their communities. They are also calling for the continuous conduct of medical, psychosocial and relief activities and, in the long term, the rehabilitation of their communities.

CRIS DURANA, [email protected]