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MANILA - A civil society leader on Tuesday said Maranaos were shocked at the announcement that a China-led consortium has been chosen to rebuild the main battle area in war-torn Marawi.

Samira Ali Gutoc, organizer of the Ranao Rescue Team, said plans of the government are unfolding despite lack of consultation with the residents of Marawi.

"It was already controversial that Architect [Jun] Palafox talked about a Dubai-looking Marawi. We again are shocked by more narrative from the government without resolving even proper water access in the temporary shelters," she told ANC.

Gutoc said they have been consistent in urging government to give Maranaos the lead role in rebuilding their hometown as they want their lives to be rebuilt at their own pace, decision, and design.

She said it would be much better if after the debris management, and debris clearing, the government would let Maranaos enter ground zero and rebuild their homes.

"Sewerage, water systems, public utilities—government, China, take that. You have joint ventures. You have the Swiss challenge. You want to not bid it out. You want to shortcut things," she said.

"But for the community, our own residences, I'm sure that any constitutional right grants us to build our own community in ground zero. 'Yan ang aming sentro ng Islam e," she added.

Last week, a group of Maranaos appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to stop the current plans to establish an economic zone and a military camp in Marawi City, until their pleas are heard.

Residents also rallied to pray inside ground zero last Friday but were barred by authorities from doing so. Gutoc said this was an event that exploded like a "volcano of emotions" for Maranaos.

Task Force Bangon Marawi, which leads the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi, belittled the said mobilization and the opposition to their plans, saying these are just "opposition for opposition's sake."

"To belittle such mobilization as politically motivated, as a little group of protesters. That shouldn't be the way the government should react. It should be with sensitivity," said Gutoc.