Marawi, where art thou?

Not too long ago the splendor of its beauty was the envy of many. Time changed it!

Armies of different ideologies came marching down into the city. They climbed up into the turrets, guns of different calibers, they were armed. Without any hesitation bullets were flying all over the city that marred the beautiful facade and more.

Days of skirmishes turned into months. Precious blood of humanity, spilled. Children, women, men perished, unwept, unsung, for what? Was this the outcome of brilliant men’s plan for peace?

Slowly, reprieve seems to be taking place. The undesirables were eliminated. Slowly, the people were coming back to pick up bits and pieces of their lives. The city was reduced to rubble and ashes. Sadness and disgust were all written on their faces.

Lasting peace tops the agenda. Again, the “brains” of the country are planning and plotting together, to attain it! I fervently hope so.

Meanwhile ideas for an extended martial law are in the air. We, who are not in the crossfire, must intensify our prayers to appease our gods! (This handwritten letter was sent by mail and was only received this week. Congress has since extended martial law in Mindanao until end of the year.—Ed.)

VIOLETA C. LABAYEN