Students paint peace mural along the road to Marawi

Mindanao State University students painted a peace mural along a road to Marawi, days after the military declared victory in a five-month long urban battle against the Maute terrorists.

Volunteers painted peace signs and wrote the phrase "Peace is Possible" along a wall in Pantar, Lanao del Norte to remind passersby of the battle that has claimed more than a thousand lives, mostly militants, and has left Marawi in ruins.

College student Jalicareza Jamail said the mural was initially envisioned to have a darker theme, with images of destruction and war, but the creators decided to make it more positive to tell Filipinos that they no longer need to be afraid.

"Naisip po namin na pag nakita ito iyong hindi...walang takot na madarama ulit yung mga Maranao, takot sa mga sundalo, yung parang tulung-tulungan ito na Pilipino tayo lahat na magtutulungan tayo lahat para sa kinabukasan," she said.

Another volunteer, Ran Sittie Rania Candotan, added, "Gusto po namin umpisahan na ipakita sa lahat na hindi lang violence ang gamitin para makamit and kapayapaan dito sa Mindanao."

Government troops have begun leaving the besieged city and some residents have returned to their homes. The government estimates the rebuilding of Marawi could cost at least P50 billion. — Reuters