Marawi residents had fun at provincial capitol on eve of Independence Day

On the eve of the emotional celebration of 119th Independence Day in Marawi City, residents displaced took a break from the ongoing conflict as they were treated to parlor games at the provincial capitol.

In a post on Facebook, the provincial government of Lanao del Sur said displaced children and their parents were treated with games and some giveaways.

"To momentarily keep their minds away from what's going on in Marawi City, the IDPs (internally displaced persons), most especially children who have evacuated in the provincial capitol, enjoyed a fun-filled night of parlor games," the provincial government said.

The displaced residents at the capitol played water relay and Trip to Jerusalem.

In a separate post, Abdul Mitmug of the Lanao del Sur Integrated Provincial Health Office shared a video of teenagers playing Trip to Jerusalem.

On Monday, several people including residents and soldiers, were seen crying during emotional flag-raising rites at the provincial capitol and the city hall.

The first flag-raising rites since the May 23 attack on the city by the Maute group was timed during the 119th Independence Day celebrations.

At least 35,000 residents have been displaced by the ongoing conflict in the city.

A total of 58 soldiers and 26 civilians have been killed.

The military said at least 138 Maute group members have been killed in its offensive. —ALG, GMA News