MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--As part of its commitment to repair and reconstruct mosques that were damaged during the 2017 siege, the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) in collaboration with the city government of Marawi, inaugurated Masjid Dansalan, May 17.

Formerly known as Bato Ali Mosque, it served as one of the strongholds of the DI-Maute group and the place where hostages were kept during the five-month siege.

Since the TFBM believes that rehabilitating the affected mosques is crucial to the social healing of Maranaos, it looked for donors to fund the reconstruction of the heavily damaged places of worship.

"This historical event brings meaning to our Muslim brothers and sisters, for finally a place where all people rekindle their spirituality, strengthen their relationship with their Creator, meet their Muslim brethren, and renew their sense of belonging is now majestically standing right on this very ground, in this historic place, Dansalan," said Sultan Nasser Sampaco, the mosque administrator and chairperson of the Marawi Sultanate League.

He also underscored that the completion of the Masjid Dansalan is the fruit of collaboration between the city government of Marawi and the former secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and TFBM chairperson, Eduardo Del Rosario.

"On behalf of the 23 Sultans of Dansalan, we are expressing our heartfelt gratitude to those who have contributed their efforts in rebuilding this important religious project," Sampaco further said.

Raymond Cajayon, TFBM Field Office Project Manager Felix Castro Jr., and Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra spearheaded the inauguration ceremony. It was also witnessed by the Sultans of Dansalan, including city administrator Sultan Camid Gandamra Sr. and Sultan Bato Ali Jr. (JND/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)