MARAWI CITY ― Bangsamoro lawmakers are championing a bill that seeks to establish a comprehensive database of cultural properties lost during the infamous siege in 2017 to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of Marawi City.

The proposed legislation, Parliament Bill No. 181, seeks to ensure the safeguarding of invaluable artifacts and promote responsible preservation for the benefit of future generations.

The infamous "Marawi Siege," which lasted five months, resulted in extensive damage to homes and infrastructure and the displacement of thousands of residents.

Recognizing the profound impact of the Marawi Siege on the city and its people, Members of Parliament Amilbahar Mawallil, Atty. Rasol Mitmug Jr., Atty. Sittie Fahanie Uy-Oyod, Hashemi Dilangalen, and Hamid Malik have joined forces to champion the cause.

Under PB No. 181, or the Marawi City Cultural Properties Protection Act of 2023, a comprehensive database will be established to document and track all cultural properties lost during the siege and those subsequently recovered. The database will include an extensive inventory of artifacts, antiques, relics, photographs, and detailed descriptions of each item.

To ensure public accessibility, a secure and user-friendly online portal will be developed, allowing individuals to explore and learn about the cultural heritage of Marawi City. The database will be regularly updated and managed by the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage.

The proposed legislation also includes strict penalties for individuals found guilty of engaging in the sale of cultural properties, including artifacts, antiques, and relics that were looted during and after the Marawi Siege, to deter the illegal trade and promote responsible preservation of these invaluable historical artifacts.

"Amidst this chaos, it is important to remember the significance of preserving artifacts and other cultural properties that serve as a tangible link to the past. These cultural properties help us understand our history, culture, and heritage, and they hold valuable lessons that can inform our future,” the main authors of the bill said. (BTA/PIA Lanao del Sur)