The Marawi siege of 2017 caused destruction to civilian properties and infrastructures and claimed the lives of 920 militants, 165 soldiers, and 47 civilians; with more than 1,780 hostages rescued from the ISIS-linked Maute militants. The rehabilitation of Marawi City continues, with internally displaced persons (IDPs) still grappling with inadequate basic services, particularly in housing, electricity, and water supply and livelihood.

In December 2023, the Philippine President took significant steps to institutionalize the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City. Through Administrative Order (AO) 14, the President mandated the streamlining of functions across relevant agencies to accelerate the implementation of programs in Marawi and other affected areas. This directive calls on all government agencies involved in Marawi’s recovery to expedite the completion of projects and coordinate closely with local government units (LGUs). AO 14 also marked the winding down of Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), which had been overseeing the progress and completion of various programs under the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program.

Despite the shifts in the national government’s approach, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) remains committed to the city’s rehabilitation. The Marawi Rehabilitation Program (MRP) is a key component of the BARMM Chief Minister’s 12-point priority agenda, with PhP500 million allocated to projects focusing on permanent housing, livelihood, health, water, sanitation and hygiene, and education.

PJRS is actively coordinating with MRP to monitor the status of rehabilitation efforts and to liaise with the LGUs as the organization prepares to launch its project for IDPs in Samaritan Village, Lumbacatoros, Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur. Additionally, PJRS continues to support the Buklod Kababaihan sa Kalamboan Association (BKKA) in Datu Saber, Marawi City, as they advance their livelihood project. Additionally, PJRS is working with the Saberian United Youth Movement Association (SUYMA), which has relocated to the Couples for Christ and Prelature of Marawi housing project in Maria Cristina, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, to facilitate peace and reconciliation activities

Despite the government’s efforts to ensure order in Lanao provinces, peace remains fragile, as the Dawlah Islamiyah – Maute Group still poses a significant threat. In February 2024, armed conflict erupted in Munai and Tangcal, Lanao del Norte, highlighting the ongoing need for initiatives that promote and strengthen peace and reconciliation in these conflict-prone areas.