On May 23, 2017, a pro-ISIS organization called the Maute Group attacked Marawi City on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines in an effort to seize control. Initial reports were that the group consisted of only about 500 fighters but, despite their small numbers, the militants have been difficult to dislodge and the battle has devolved into a street-by-street grind. Today, more than 100 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) service members, at least 400 terrorists, and more than 30 civilians have been killed. Additionally, there are over 200,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and more than 500 (AFP) soldiers wounded in action.

The city of Marawi has been under siege by ISIS fighters since late-May, forcing thousands to flee and leading to intense fighting. (Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News)

With the majority of the city displaced from their homes and martial law declared, the entire region is in crisis. Entire families are sleeping outdoors and government camps and centers are overwhelmed. In an attempt to address this situation while also bolstering the local government, a US Army team working in Mindanao has identified the need for blankets and tarps to help the displaced stay warm and dry at night, out of the sun during the day, and to limit their exposure to germs/bacteria when sleeping on the ground. Any support for this issue will go a long way toward improving relationships and demonstrating to the people that their government and the US people are responding to their needs.

An AFP soldier is rushed to the hospital after being wounded in action in Marawi. (Photo courtesy of Zea Io Ming C. Capistrano/davaotoday.com)

At the same time, a US Marine Corps team is advising and assisting the AFP troops engaged with ISIS. Their Filipino counterparts are bravely beating back the extremists but not without casualties, both military and civilian. The battle to retake the city has raged for longer than expected. In that time, AFP aid stations have run low on essential medical supplies and equipment. By donating now, we can save lives and fill the gap until the Filipino system catches up and they can properly resupply themselves.

A displaced family makes camp outdoors on the outskirts of Marawi.

Your generosity and support have the potential to save lives and alleviate suffering in the Philippines while directly supporting the men and women on the frontlines of the fight against ISIS in Asia.