Home Away From Home: Struggles of Marawi Refugees in Relocation Areas of Lapu-Lapu City

Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
Division of Lapu-Lapu City
Science and Technology Education Center
Senior High School Department
Basak, Lapu-Lapu City
Home Away from Home:
Struggles of Marawi Refugees
in Relocation Areas
of Lapu-Lapu City
Researchers:
Reina Mariz P. Baguio
Louieme L. Bual
Heizel Mae N. Donque
Allyza Marie A. Peña
Ceilo Feth D. Salinguhay
Laurence Julien S. Sebios
Adviser:
Ms. Nympha A. Tapao
October 2017

ii
Abstract
Marawi City has been experiencing a deadly, ongoing siege since late
May which caused approximately 200,000 residents to flee the city. The
researchers decided to conduct a study that focuses providing awareness to
the public, concerning the experiential stories and struggles of the young
Marawi refugees.
The researchers conducted in-depth interviews to gather the data. Ten
(10) young Marawi refugee participants coming from the different barangays
in Lapu-Lapu City were interviewed. The inclusion criteria for the participants
are ; 1) Within the young age (13-19); 2) Currently residing in the research
environment; 3) Has been relocated from Marawi City; 4) Willing to undergo
the in-depth interview; and, 5) Living in the area for at most 4 months. The
data were analyzed and put into findings.
In conclusion, they have similar experiences during the war during the
siege. They described it as the most dreadful event of their lives considering
what they have witnessed, such as bombings and gunshots. They added that
they are still in the process of coping up from what they have experienced
during the siege through constant interaction with their family. Most of them
shared similar struggles such as difficulties in interaction with non-Muslims
and emotional distress as they reside here in Lapu-Lapu City.

iii
Furthermore, it is highly recommended that counselors who may handle
the refugees must consider the traumatic experiences as it is revealed that
they are still in the process of coping. Institutions are also recommended to
help them fulfill their basic needs in relocation areas. Specifically, schools must
consider the differences in language and culture of the young refugees.

iv
Acknowledgment
This research paper would not be possible without the love, support,
guidance and encouragement by the family and friends who helped us get
through this research.
First, we thank our parents for supporting us financially and emotionally.
For all the days and nights we spent for the success of our study, they were
the ones who understood and considered our situations and needs.
Second, we express our gratitude to our research adviser, Ms. Nympha
A. Tapao for the guidance, advices, patience, understanding and the
knowledge that she inculcated with us.
Third, we would like to thank the 10 participants who willingly shared
their stories with us and expressing their real thoughts and experiences, which
is the backbone of this study through meaningful interactions.
Fourth, we thank Mr. Bryant C. Acar for giving us advices during the
early stages of this study and Mr. Von Godwin C. Jequinto for sharing his ideas
and knowledge.
Fifth, we thank the STEC, Basak Barangay Hall and Pajac Barangay Hall
for allowing us to investignate and gather the necessary data for the study.
Last but most importantly, we thank the Father God Almighty for giving
us the strength to face any obstacles and giving us courage in times when we
doubt our skills and abilities. With God, nothing is impossible.

v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract........................................................................................................ ii
Acknowledgment........................................................................................... iv
CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE ........................................................ 1
Rationale.................................................................................................... 1
Review of Related Literature......................................................................... 3
THE PROBLEM........................................................................................... 13
Statement of the Problem.........................................................................................................13
Significance of the Study ..........................................................................................................14
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ........................................................................ 16
Research Design ...........................................................................................................................16
Research Environment ...............................................................................................................16
Research Participants .................................................................................................................16
Research Procedure.....................................................................................................................17
Research Instruments ................................................................................................................18
Definition of Terms.................................................................................... 19
CHAPTER II DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS ........................................... 23
CHAPTER III SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .. 52
REFERENCES............................................................................................... 55
A. Work Schedules................................................................................ 63
B. Budget ............................................................................................ 65
C. Transmittal Letters............................................................................ 67
D. Informed Consents............................................................................ 71
E. Parent’s Consents ........................................................................... 101
F. Transcripts..................................................................................... 108
G. Field Notes..................................................................................... 126
H. Coding and Screening Table ............................................................. 131
I. Documentation.................................................................................. 135

vi
List of Tables
Table 1 Experiences of the Refugees During the Marawi Siege .......................................23
Table 2 Reasons Why Participants Relocate in Lapu-Lapu City........................................32
Table 3 Struggles of the Refugees in Relocation Areas of Lapu-Lapu City..................37
Table 4 Coping Mechanisms of the Refugees ..........................................................................48

1
CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
Rationale
Marawi City has been experiencing terroristic attacks which caused
about 90% of its total population to be evacuated to safer grounds, particularly
in the nearby Lanao del Sur municipalities including Baloi and Saguiaran and
the city of Iligan as of May 27, 2017 with the prevailing war between the
terrorist group, Maute and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines (Unson,
2017). Approximately 50,000 of the total population are children who are
affected by the siege (Ronda, 2017). Aside from those staying in evacuation
centers, there are also Marawi refugees staying at the homes of their relatives
in nearby towns or in distant areas of different regions including the Cebu
Province (Bolivar, 2017).
Marawi City, the capital city of the Lanao Del Sur Province and a largely
Muslim city with a population of over 200,000, has been the battleground of
the armed conflict that began on the 23rd of May 2017 between Philippine
government security forces and the affiliated militants of the Maute and Abu
Sayyaf Salafi jihadist groups (Matsuzawa, 2017).
The siege caused numerous deadly incidents including fire breakouts
and the holding out of public and private structures, sometimes holding
civilians and government employees as hostages. These attacks resulted to

2
the declaration of Martial Law in the whole of Mindanao and the launching of
surgical air strikes by the military troops. (Maute to raise ISIS flag,2017)
Evacuees who left their home for safety are now facing another obstacle
– survival in different environments. Those who are in unsanitary and crowded
evacuation centers suffer various cases of diseases, such as diarrhea, fever,
and colds due to unstable weather conditions, the lack of potable drinking
water, and the shortage of nutritious food (Bolivar, 2017). Others who seek a
safer shelter are challenged with the difficulty of finding a welcoming place to
stay. Reports say that Marawi refugees are being denied accommodation in
nearby provinces just because they came from the conflict zone (Adiong,
2017).
This study focuses on providing awareness to the public concerning the
experiences of the Marawi refugees. This would provide a background on the
struggles and experiences of the young refugees in their new environment to
help sectors provide the appropriate assistance needed.
The researchers are interested specifically in identifying the experiential
stories, coping mechanisms, and the struggles teenage Marawi refugees given
that they are new to their environment.

3
Review of Related Literature
The following studies, articles and researches’ main purpose is to further
support the study conducted by the researchers. It is to aid and deepen the
knowledge on the research about the effects of the Marawi siege to the victims
of war holistically.
Background. The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group
started in the early 2000’s. It was established by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. He
supported and became the founder of the militant organization. Osama bin
Laden, the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), helped al-Zarqawi financially. The
funding of bin Laden for the training camp of Zarqawi caused the rapid growth
of the affiliation. They cause a lot of chaos, especially to their main targets.
However, their leaders are not consistent and the name ISIS is not yet
introduced until the bestowal of power came to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Baghdadi brought the group to Syria and continued its expansion by merging
the AQI and his Group, but the leaders of both sides have conflicts resulting
for AQI to renounce any connection with ISIS. This group caused a lot of
attacks as of March 2016, 22 attacks were confirmed. This organization is still
growing and active (The Islamic state, n.d.).
Furthermore with the Marawi siege, Abu Sayyaf, the Southeast Asian
branch of ISIS was ambushed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
nearly capturing their leader. Additionally, Abu Sayyaf called for immediate

4
assistance from the Maute Brothers with the Maute Group to serve as
reinforcement, hence, attacking Marawi and rampaging its lands.
Government Responses. The disputes made the residents of the
affected area nervous and afraid. The Syrian Civil War is an ongoing multi-
sided conflicting Syria fought primarily between the government of President
Bashar al-Assad, along with its allies, and various forces opposing the
government (Akash, 2013).Australia offered moral support for a military strike
in Syria. As stated by Patrick Low, Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr’s
spokesman, the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called and mentioned that
Australia supports the U.S. in taking action towards the Syrian crisis. He also
said that Kerry did not ask for any military assistance and Australia did not
offer it. Tony Abbott, the Australian opposition leader defended his
controversial comments on the Syrian civil war (International Responses to
Syrian Crisis, 2013).
The Sri Lankan Civil War was an armed battle fought on the island of Sri
Lanka. The war started on 23 July 1983, when there was an irregular
insurgency against the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
The war brought significant hardships for the people, environment and
especially the economy of the country, which killed 80,000 to 100,000 people.
In response to the Sri Lankan war, the government itself has reassured the
public that it will not collaborate with the international investigation and will

5
deny visas to members of the investigative team seeking to enter Sri Lanka.
The government members also warned the people of Sri Lanka that they will
be regarded as traitors if they provide information to the UN investigation.
The government would also take appropriate action to those traitors based on
the evidences they have given to the UN investigation (Doucet, 2015).
The civil rights of citizens and non-citizens in the United States have
been neglected due to a number of measures the government instituted since
11 September 2001. In addition to what he said, these have been considered
as acts which will protect Americans, even if they commit some breach of basic
and/or civil rights. In response to the 9/11 attacks, the US government has
arrested about 1,200 non-US citizens in connection with the investigation.
Most of them are from the North Africa, South Asia, and Middle East. (Wealth,
2001) A number of these people were arrested during random meetings with
law enforcement officials or the suspicions of neighbors based on their identity
as Muslims, Arabs or South Asians (Shawwal, 2001).
In response to the traumas experienced by Marawi refugees due to the
siege, the Philippine Department of Education instructed its personnel to
undergo training to provide the appropriate psychosocial assistance towards
the teacher and student refugees in evacuation centers (Mateo, 2017).

6
Economic Impact of the Terroristic Wars. The war in Mindanao is
one of the oldest wars that has persisted in the world, just after the conflict
between North and South Sudan, with diverse groups and factions, like the
religion-oriented Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the nationalistic-
oriented Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the smaller and criminal
terrorist groups Abu Sayyaf and Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah. Most of
the conflict stems from religious differences, interest in land and other natural
resources, and identity issues with the Moro community. The costs of the
conflict have been significant; especially during major conflict periods of 1975-
82 and 1997-2002 were in the range of $2-3 billion. These are estimates due
to the limits of the methodology and availability of data.These are estimates
due to the limits of the methodology and availability of data. Interests in
investments have wavered because of the conflict, international banks stated
that the ongoing conflict in the island has negatively affected the image of
Mindanao as an investor-friendly island. Agriculture is likewise affecting the
economic status of the island of Mindanao. With the consideration of the lack
of investments and adverse effects on agriculture, the estimated economic
cost raises to $10 billion (Schiavo-Campo, S., & Judd, M., 2005).
The war affected the investment in Mindanao, as local investments
declined by 62%, foreign equity by 79% and project cost investments
decreased by 69% compared to the overall investment decrease of 59% of
the Philippines. In one incident that occurred in General Santos City, the tuna

7
industry lost an estimated 1 billion due to a hostage taking and road blockade
by the MILF on May 3, 2000. The Tourism and hotel industry was greatly
affected, conventions that were scheduled to take place in Davao City were
cancelled when the war broke out. The 10% reduction in jobs from 241,000
to 216,000 further amplified the effects of the decrease in investment
(Concepciòn, 2003).
Social Struggles. Social isolation is an issue that many refugees
commonly face. He added that there are primarily three layers of isolation that
refugees encounter. The first layer of isolation is isolation from the refugee’s
homeland. Due to the crisis that the refugees experience they are forced to
leave their homeland. In doing so, they leave everything in their culture
behind.
The second layer of isolation is the act of ethnocentrism of the host
culture towards the refugees’ culture. Syrian refugees experienced
discrimination and inferior by some Lebanese citizens. Syrian refugee children
even experienced being avoided by some Lebanese citizens.
The third layer of isolation is isolation among refugees themselves. A
large number of Syrian refugees only interact with their family and they don’t
socialize among other Syrian refugees anymore. Syrian refugees are so
uneasy with their new environment and they tend to be so fearful with the

8
consequences that may happen if they interact with other people outside their
paradigm (Bartel, 2014).
The common social struggles that refugees face in their new location
include being paranoid on food poisoning, on being stalked or on being the
topic of gossips. Refugees are also prone to depression. Forms of depression
include planning suicide or having suicidal thoughts, outburst of anger,
anxieties, confusion, grief, pity, despair, restlessness, and psychosomatic
symptoms, nostalgic reactions involving homesickness and thoughts about
the past, criticism of the new land and regressive behavior are the paranoia
commonly experienced by war refugees (Zwingmann, 1978).
The adjustment process for the refugees is lessened by the ethnic
community. It provides a chain of relationships and a group identity, and the
possibility of social and personality disorganization
is lessened. While continuously understanding their situation, it allows the
refugee to function (Pfister-Ammende 1960), (Gordon,1964) and (Rogg,
1974).The ethnic group may be seen as dysfunctional, in a society that prizes
the conformity model, as a hindrance that keeps the refugee in a uncertain
position-midway to nowhere between the new society the lost homeland (Ex,
1966). The refugees’ personality and stability when he is placed in a new
environment is tested, in which lost friends, family, food, values are its main
elements. The loss of all that is important to a refugee may be a threat to his
or her identity, and can lead to the mourning, despair, grief, and nostalgia the

9
refugee feels for his or her loss. Those refugees who did not think about,
or prepare for the crisis, were caught up in panic and hysteria, and are
mostly affected by culture shock (Garza-Guerrero, 1974).
Psychological Effects of Terroristic Crises towards Refugees.
Given that the complex situations of adjustments and the psychological
difficulties that may arise due to relocation, understanding the appropriate
clinical care for refugees is essential. Most mental health studies on refugees
are focused on Eastern European, Southeast Asian, and Central American
refugee population.
Refugees experience psychological resettlement challenges which
include little choice and control over their own fate and their experiences with
culture shock, homesickness, depression, distress, stress-related illnesses,
posttraumatic stress disorder, exit and post-entry trauma, and acculturation
stress (Phan et. al, 2005). The refugees’ harsh resettlement experiences were
also described in these studies. Such experiences include starvation, death of
family members due to exhaustion, contamination of water supply, the lack
of hygiene that resulted to acute gastroenteritis, upper respiratory tract
infection, diarrhea and skin diseases (Hernandez, 2017), and their various
emotional and psychological responses to these struggles. Some of the
psychological disorders experienced by refugees have also been attributed to

10
environmental factors such as adjustment to a new culture (Porter & Haslam,
2005).
The introduction of refugees to the new culture of the locals of the
relocation areas serves as a challenge in adjusting to the new culture.
Acculturation, which is an important aspect of the experiences of the refugees,
entails by either assimilating or integrating into the new society. Assimilation
refers to the adaption of the refugees to the second culture and disregarding
the original. On the other hand, integration is the adaption of the refugees to
the second culture while still retaining the original culture, thus developing
mutually positive attitudes in multicultural aspects (Wang & Freeland, 2004).
Increased health risk behaviors, such as smoking, drug and alcohol use
have been found to be associated with increased assimilation. New immigrants
were found to be at high risk of anxiety and depression (Wang & Freeland,
2004) and often are affiliated with factors such as discrimination,
unemployment, and daily adjustment challenges (Beiser et al, 2002; Pernice&
Brooke, 1996). Newcomers find themselves under a great deal of stress,
overwhelmed with daily challenges, poverty and discrimination (Jasinskaj-
Lahti &Liebkind, 2001).
New immigrants may undergo through a euphoric phase due to their
evasion from the risk of dangers from war or natural hazards before facing
the different challenges in their relocation areas (Leherher, 1993). Other

11
immigrants were found to have faced high mental health risk immediately
after resettlement which includes post-traumatic stress disorder (Tyhurst,
1982). However, the effects of these psychological struggles may last long,
refugees remain at a high risk of paranoid disorders for many years after
resettlement, because of social and linguistic isolation.
Displacement of refugees especially those not expecting the turmoil
cause multiple levels of psychological and emotional struggles. Being
enlightened upon the long-term effects of these experiences on the mental
health of the refugees is essential (Hitch and Rack, 1980).
Relocation and Socioeconomic Challenges. Economic hardship is
one of the major challenges a refugee may face in the relocation site. Many
refugees require health care needs, however, these are hardly funded due to
lack of financial resources. This lack of finance means the easy exposure to
environmental stressors, including insufficient lodging and economic
insecurities. Furthermore, refugees are often limited to unskilled employment,
which is low paying and is often a hindrance to obtaining work with high
occupational status and wages. This can be attributed to low proficiency in the
language or dialect used by the natives of the relocation sites, and education
levels (Ranji, Wyn, Salganicoff, & Yu, 2007) & (Connor, 2010).
As a conclusion, these studies give the research credibility and
versatility to the topic. These claims support the study of the researchers and

12
give them different point of views about the topic. Furthermore, with the
related literature, it would fairly help in concluding the study and may it stand
as another medium for future researches.
Impacts of Terroristic Conflicts towards Young Refugees.
Children who are exposed to terroristic activities that may cause enduring
impacts of PTSD. Severe losses and injuries may lead to high possibilities of
depression and anxiety in affected children. Furthermore, these young war-
affected refugees may lose confidence and self-trust. Therefore, it is important
to understand practical and ethical aspects of the youth’s exposure towards
violence to advocate those affected by trauma in low- and middle-income
countries (Santa Barbara, 2006).
Moreover, youth who are exposed to terrorism at an early age are often
reported as brutalized. As victims of war, they are often seen by many to be
vengeful because of their traumatization that may promote new cycles of
violence. This leads to a conclusion that trauma may not be healed over time.
Thus, treatment and programs must be administered to children to induce
coping mechanisms towards the traumatic experiences (Alayarian, 2009).

13
THE PROBLEM
Statement of the Problem
The study aims to determine the lived experiences and the struggles of
young Marawi refugees who were relocated in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu by
gathering information from the affected individuals.
Specifically, this study will seek to answer the following subsidiary
problems:
1. What are the experiential stories of the refugees during the Marawi
siege?
2. What are the reasons of the Marawi refugees why they chose to relocate
in Lapu-Lapu City?
3. What are the struggles of the Marawi refugees in the relocation areas?
4. What are the commonly used coping mechanisms of Marawi refugees?

14
Significance of the Study
Marawi Refugees. They are the main beneficiaries of this study. This
study aims to understand the effects of the Marawi crisis to them and to know
their struggles during relocations. Thus, this provides information that would
help volunteers and sectors know the appropriate treatment and help they
require.
Schools. The traumatic effects of war, violence, torture, or crime may
have profound effects on children, youth and their families. Although the role
of an educator is not to provide therapy, schools staff may have to deal with
the behaviors associated with trauma.
Mental Health Professionals. It provides them a background about
the experiences during the crisis, after the crisis, and during the evacuation
that might have affected the refugees psychologically. This study can also be
used by them in conducting investigations or researches related to this topic
in the near future.
Government Organizations. This study provides information to the
sectors of the government as to what actions do they need to do to alleviate
the sufferings of the refugees. This research aims to broaden the perspective
of the government to the situation of the refugees in their relocation areas.
Non-Government Organizations (NGO). This study provides Non-
Government Organizations the information for the analysis of the current

15
situation of the refugees. Through the analysis, the NGO can evaluate the
different needs of the refugees and the appropriate help that the volunteers
and other major beneficiaries can send to them. The outcome of the evaluation
will be vital in giving social workers the awareness of the direct needs of the
refugees and on how can they interact with the refugees knowing the
psychological traumas that they may be facing.
Volunteers. This study aims to promote volunteerism in our society.
Through this study, the society will have deeper understanding to the lives of
the refugees in the relocation areas and the psychological consequences that
they are facing. Knowing the difficulties that the refugees are experiencing,
this study aims to hone volunteers in our society with the complete willingness
to help.
Community. This study can be used to promote unity in the community
as the struggles due to differences in culture and religion are revealed. This
will also help the non-Muslim and the non-refugee individuals to be open-
minded about the situations of the participants of the study.
Future Researchers. This study can be used in future studies. This
study provides information on psychological effects of the crisis to the
refugees and the struggles that they have to face during relocation.

16
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This study used a phenomenological research design that probed the
lived experiences of young Marawi refugees in Lapu-Lapu City in the aspect of
their experiences, coping mechanisms, and struggles. A phenomenological
research is defined as the inquiry into the lived experiences of people and
believes that this is true, and descriptive phenomenology was utilized in this
study. Furthermore, this study was anchored on the qualitative approach,
wherein it obtained specific information about the research respondents
through their opinions, beliefs, values, behaviors, and what social context
adheres to them. This was gathered through in-depth interviews with a
questionnaire guide to the research respondents.
Research Environment
Data-gathering procedures were conducted in Barangay Pajac,
Barangay Pajo and Barangay Basak in Lapu-Lapu City. According to the
Division of the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) and Muslim Affairs
Commission, the mentioned barangays have been relocation areas for the
refugees of the Marawi siege. Data gatherings took place at the residence or
at the preferred location of the respondents.
Research Participants
Participants for the study include the Marawi refugees in Lapu-Lapu City.
The researchers utilized purposive or judgmental sampling. 10 participants

17
were selected using the following inclusion criteria: 1) 13 to 19 years old; 2)
Student in Marawi City before relocation 3) Currently residing in the research
environment; 4) Has been relocated from Marawi City due to the siege; 5)
Living in the relocated area for at most 4 months; and 6) Expresses consent
to undergo the in-depth interview.
Research Procedure
The researchers formulated the research design and tools appropriate
for the study in preparation for the research proposal. After the approval of
the research proposal, the following data-gathering procedure were
conducted: 1) Revising the research papers and letters; 2) Signing of
transmittal letter by the school principal; 3) Asking consent and approval from
the barangays for data-gathering; 4) Orienting and Making arrangements with
the key informants; 5) Conducting in-depth interviews for data-gathering; 6)
Transcription and Coding of data; and 6) Formulation of the Summary of
Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations.
In the data-gathering procedure, researcher-made questionnaire were
administered through individual in-depth interviews. Data that were gathered
were transcribed, coded, and analyzed.

18
Research Instruments
The researchers used in-depth interviews to gather the appropriate data
needed for the study. Open-ended questions were provided to accommodate
free-formatted views related to the study. In this style, the instrument was
utilized to get valid responses of the participants for the study. It also
presented the transmittal letters; parental consent for the researchers; the
Informed Consent for the participants; and the school principal’s consent.

19
Definition of Terms
Coping Mechanisms are the strategies that are often used to respond to
stress and/or trauma to help manage difficult and painful emotions.
Cultural Barrier is the difficulty of the refugees in socializing with the local
of Lapu-lapu City due to the varied culture of the refugees’ homeland and the
relocation area, specifically with their religious beliefs.
Devotional Prayers are characterized by religious practices that include
praying to strengthen faith and to cope with the spiritual and psychological
struggles that the refugees may be currently facing.
Discrimination is the prejudicial treatment of different categories of people
directed towards the refugees due to differences in race, gender, beliefs and
religion that can be verbal or physical.
Distress is defined as the pain or struggle experienced by the participants of
the study that is caused by their experiences in Marawi or relocation in Lapu-
Lapu City.
Emotional Distress is the struggle faced by the refugees defined as the effect
of the traumatic experiences during the siege that is characterized by fear,
anxiety, and a sense of helplessness among others.

20
Experiential Distress is the struggle of the refugees that is due to their
experiences during the Marawi siege that is caused physical discomfort and
hardships.
Financial Problems is defined as the insufficiency of funds to support the
basic needs of the refugees’ family.
Language Barrier is characterized as the refugees’ difficulty in
communicating and interacting due to differences in language and
unfamiliarity of the local language spoken in Lapu-Lapu City.
Lived experiences are the first-hand accounts and impressions of the
refugees who experienced the siege in Marawi.
Marawi siege is the ongoing armed conflict in Marawi, Lanao Del Sur between
Philippine government security forces and the Maute Group. This caused the
relocation of about 90% of the population of Marawi City.
Mental Health Professionals are the health care practitioners or community
services providers who offer services for the purpose of improving an
individual's mental health or to treat mental disorders.
Personal Distress is defined as the anxiety of the refugees that resulted from
being away from their family and another personal matters.

21
Physical Environment is characterized as their difficulties in adjusting to
their new physical environment such as the climate, weather, and their
household.
Redo are the attacks due to conflicts or misunderstandings between families.
Refugees are the people from Marawi who have been forced to flee the city
and settle in another place in order to be safe from the ongoing war.
Relocation Areas are the new location where the refugees choose to resettle
in for security.
Relocation is the process of vacating a fixed residence and settling in a
different one.
Security Threats are the dangers experienced by the refugees in Marawi
during the siege that threatens their security and safety.
Socialization is the act of interaction with nearby social groups that is
affected by language, thoughts, and feelings that may be a mechanism to
relieve stress and trauma. Furthermore, this may also cause difficulties among
interacting people of different cultures and languages.

22
Socioeconomic status is the social standing or class of an individual or
group. It is often measured as a combination of education, income and
occupation.
Struggles are the challenges that the Marawi refugees who experienced
security threats faced in relocation areas
Terrorism is the commitment of criminal acts with the intention to cause
death, injuries, and loss of lives and properties with the purpose to provoke a
state of terror in the general public.
Torrel is a Muslim school for studying the Arabic language. This also offers
male students to reside in a dormitory near the school to focus on their studies.

23
CHAPTER II
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
Table 1
Experiences of the Refugees During the Marawi Siege
Major Themes Subthemes Key Informant
Security Threats
Terroristic attacks Finn
Gunshots Candice
Maute in the
neighborhood
Dipper
Attacks by Militants Cindy
Terroristic attacks Jake
Experiential Distress
Painful Finn
Insufficient supply Phineas
Killings Dipper
Uncomfortable trip Gwen
Emotional Distress
Scared Phineas
Fear Dipper
Painful Cindy
Overwhelmed Eustace
Trauma Gwen
Nervousness Jimmy
Nine out of 10 participants were asked about their experiences during
the Marawi siege. Three (3) themes emerged they are: (1) Security Threats;
(2) Experiential Distress; and (3) Emotional Distress.

24
Security Threats
After the breakout of war in Marawi, the refugees’ security were
threatened by the Militants that made most of them feel frightened. Their
houses and other properties are bombed by the Mautes that it made huge
impact on them because it decreases their assurance to their safety and
security.
The participants described terrorism as an attack of terror done by the
Maute Group back in Marawi. They said that the siege was a massive
destruction to the residents of Marawi and that the militants’ rampage did not
consider the citizens’ backgrounds to be on its victims. According to the data
gathered, the breakout of war in Marawi literally changes the lives of its
victims. From their livelihoods to their education, everything changed and it
is slowly deteriorating.
As described by most participants, terrorism in Marawi was so sudden
that they were greatly shocked and traumatized. The attack was described by
Finn, who was at the Mindanao State University (MSU) at the time of the
attack, as a planned and coordinated one because most of the military routes
were blocked by the militants, he elaborated it in his answer:
“Murag plano kaayo ang ilang pag attack kay tanang agianan sa sundalo
Kay kanang gi alihan sa mga ISIS ba gikuan gud gi planuhan. Daghan
pud kayo og bomba og putukan ba.”

25
(There attack was so planned, all the possible roads that the military
will take were blocked, and they were plenty of bombs and shooting.)
Furthermore, for Candice, a female student at the MSU, she thought
that the attack was only to last for approximately three days but so much for
anticipation, it lasted for a few months and is still on the count; this was her
response:
“…mag stay lang kami sa bahay kasi akala nila three days lang
matatapos na ang gyera di nila alam two months pala...”
(…stay at home because he thought that the siege will only last for two
days but little did they know that it will take two months…)
Cindy, a 15-year old female Muslim who lost her grandmother due to
the anxiety caused by the attack and Jake, a 13-year old male Muslim, who
left Marawi for Cebu to study, described event as full of gunshots and
bombings and made that point as their cue to evacuate Marawi immediately.
Moreover, Cindy stated that:
“Lumakas na iyong ano mga barilan doon na kami nakadesisyon na
lumikas.”
(That was it but when the shootings and bombings were becoming
louder, we decided to evacuate the place.)

26
As a conclusion, one can say that the experiences felt by the refugees
made such effect on them. Their properties are threatened by the siege
that it made them anxious about their tomorrow. They feel that the
aftermath of the war would actually be a huge damage to their lives because
their safety to living in peace is already at jeopardy because of the recent
attack.
Experiential Distress
From the experiences of the participants, they stated that they felt
such experiential distress from their homes to the evacuation areas. The
distresses they have experienced were because of both during the attack
and when they were on their way to the evacuation and relocation areas.
From the collected data, a great amount of participant described their
experiences as a traumatic and sad one. They define their experiences during
the war as a miserable experience because they were challenges and
traumatic events during the war. Moreover, they added that when they are on
the verge of evacuating, they also experienced hassles that led them to having
distress.
To give additional explanation, experiential distress is defined as a
particular instance of personally encountering or undergoing afflictive and
traumatic events. It involves experiencing or witnessing actual or threatened
death, and serious injury (Hayes et. al, 1996).

27
One example is Finn, a student from MSU who quickly evacuated when
the siege emerged, he stated that he saw a many people in the university
pulling their selves out of Marawi in ways that they can, and he elaborated it
in his following statements:
“Sa ang uban kanang naay nanglakaw ra…uban kay nagsakay og jeep
nga naa sa taklob ba…Naa pud kay makit-an nga naglakaw nga naay
mga anak nga gialsa kanang murag sako sa bugas ba.”
(... Some were walking, riding on the jeep's roof just to get rid of the
siege. I have also seen someone walking while carrying his children like
a sack of rice.)
Another participant named Phineas, an 18-year old student who was
trapped in their house for five (5) days after the war broke out. He explained
his experience in the lack of food supply when they were trapped in their
house because they were afraid to go outside their premises because gunshots
are still exchanged. This was his response when he was asked:
“Mga limang araw kami dun Nung nagbabakbakan nasa bahay lang kami
limang araw kami dun walang pagkain walang tubig walang pera walang.
low bat lahat ng cellphone.”
(We were stuck for five days there. No food, no water, and no money...
All cellphone are off, no batteries.)

28
Dipper, is a 16-year-old male Muslim refugee, also shared his
experience when he saw a man shot by an ISIS member. When he witnessed
the dreadful event, he abruptly lost his right-mind and just ran for his life out
of danger. He stated it in details in the following statement of his:
“…katabi naming ospital, may namatay doon dahil binaril ng ISIS sa
labas na bahagi. Nakita ko ‘yon nung binaril kaya tumakbo ako at
magulo ang aking isip“
(...just like in the hospital which is just beside us, there was one who
died there because he was shot by the ISIS at the outside area. I saw
him when he was shot so I ran and I was confused)
Another participant, Gwen, who is a 19-year-old female Muslim also
imparted her experience during her escape from the war. She explained that
their evacuation from Marawi to Iligan took them for about five to six hours
rather than the usual one-hour trip. She also added that within their long
travel, there were a lot of checkpoints and questioning from the army. When
asked about it, she answered:
“…nahirapan kami kasi Marawi to Iligan one hour lang yun then …instead
na one hour naging five to six hours... nakakita kami ng mga sundalo
pinapahinto kami tinatanong kami san kami pupunta... maraming
checkpoint."

29
(... We had a hard time because traveling from Marawi to Iligan is only
about an hour but because of the siege it took us five to six hours...
there are a lot of checkpoints.)
As a whole, the anguish they felt was of the aftereffects of the siege.
They said that they were a lot of struggles from that time because some
were trapped on their houses. Some also emphasized that they experienced
such long travel period to the evacuation areas in Iligan because there were
a lot of checkpoints and inspections. On the other hand, some also said that
it became a traumatic situation for them because they had actually
experienced seeing other person being shot by the militants.
Emotional Distress
The experiences of the refugees also gave them such distress
emotionally. Their experiences are huge factors because it could lead unto
greater conditions. Here, one can say if most participants are showing signs
of trauma or other related conditions from their previous experiences
From the data gathered, one can say that the war could have a
psychological effect on the refugees. They stated that they feel that they were
actually traumatized after the siege. Some even said that they experience
recurring nightmares often about the destruction and devastation of militants
in their homeland.

30
In the study conducted by Chiumento (2017), she explained that
majority of those who have been displaced have experienced war, possibly
experienced grief and the loss of a homeland and livelihood. Emotional
distress resulting from reactions such as fear, anxiety and a sense of
helplessness are expected to be more common in people living in settings that
produce such chronic fear and worry.
Additionally, emotional distress is defined by most participants as a
traumatic and frightening event that they have yet experienced so far. Many
participants have similar answers, according to Finn, Dipper, Cindy, Eustace,
Gwen and Jimmy, it was a very fearsome moment of their lives, and they
heard many gunshots and explosions. They also added that they were also
afraid that the militants will raid them inside their house and would either kill
them or make them as human shields against the army. An example
statement is what Gwen elaborated, saying:
“...bigla kaming nakarinig ng putukan then yun tumakbo na kami
naghahanap na kami ng matatagpuan... parang nagkaka phobia narin
kami na baka may Maute...”
(... We heard gunshots so we also run...it’s like we are having phobias
about the Maute group...)
In conclusion, most participants felt very anxious at the time of war.
They said that they were in the state of trauma because of the things that

31
they saw during the siege like dead people and innards. Lastly, one can
hypothesize that these participants are in trauma and that they could be
subjected to similar traumatic disorders that could affect them in their
future.

32
Table 2
Reasons Why Participants Relocate in Lapu-Lapu City
Comfortable
Environment
Easier to settle than in
evacuation areas
Finn
Family Relations
Relatives live here
Phineas
Cindy
To be with family Jake
Education Taking up torrel Eustace
Safety
Secure house Gwen
Peaceful and away
from danger
Jimmy
Six (6) out of ten (10) participants answered when asked about their
reasons why they chose to relocate in Lapu-Lapu City. Four (4) major themes
emerged; they are: 1) Comfortable Environment; 2) Family Relations; 3)
Education; and 4) Safety.

33
Comfortable Environment
From the relocation of the participants, they stated that they chose to
be relocated here in Lapu-Lapu City because it is better here rather than back
in the relocation areas in Iligan City near Marawi.
To Phineas, it is an uncomfortable environment back in the evacuation
areas, and that is why, they chose to be here in Cebu. He also added that one
of the reasons he evacuated here is because his close relatives are here and
she wants to be with them here too. He elaborated:
“Mahirap din kasing tumira sa ibang evacuation area …tapos dito ok dito
dahil may relatives ako dito”
(It’s hard living in another evacuation area… Then, it’s okay here
because I have relatives here.)
From the responses tallied, most refugees said that the environment
here in the relocation is quite good. They highlighted that it is good because
there are Muslim communities here and most of their families and relatives
are actually been living here for quite some time now.

34
Family Relations
In the relocation areas, most refugees are staying with their families
and other close relatives. Here, one can see why most refugees chose to be
relocated here and the reasons behind it.
It is justified in Cindy’s answer saying:
“Kasi naisip naming na may mga relatives kami ditto”
(Because we thought about our relatives [living here].)
For most participants, they chose to be relocated here in Cebu because
they have relatives here. According to Cindy, Jake and Phineas, they chose to
be here in Cebu because their relatives or families have already been staying
here in Cebu for some time for now. They said that it is also because their
families are pretty stable her so that is why they take a refuge here.
Education
Even though the war has stopped the education system in the entirety
of Marawi, most of the refugees still continues to pursue their studies here in
Lapu-Lapu City at the same time taking refuge here where it is safe and sound.
For Eustace, he chose to be relocated here in Cebu because he is
enrolled in the Muslim torrel in Pajac. He said that he wants to continue his
studies here and the torrel is a great opportunity for him to actually learn the
Qur’an and Arabic. He said that:

35
“Uh, kasi nagtorrel ako dito. Nag-aral ako ng torrel dito.”
(Uh, its’ because I’m taking up torrel. I’m studying torrel here.)
The top reason why the refugees chose Cebu is because there is a
Muslim torrel here. In this torrel, they are taught Arabic and the Islam bible,
Qur’an. One of them stated that because of his schooling, it influenced his
decision to be here in Cebu.
Safety
To be safe is the most valuable reason after the bloom of war in Marawi.
After the dreadful incident, many wanted to seek refuge and prioritize the
safety of their families first.
Gwen, a 19 –year old female Muslim said that going to Cebu is made
her feel safety and security. She said that:
“Kasi napagdesisyunan ng tito, yung may-aring bahay na ito na dalhin
kami dito para masigurado yung safety naming.”
(It’s because my uncle, the owner of this house, who decided to bring
us here to ensure our safety.)
Jimmy also stated that for him, Cebu is a peaceful place for him. It is
like a safe haven for him because he considers life in Cebu easy. This was his
statement:
“Dahil madali lang ang buhay dito. Walang gulo.”

36
(Because our life is easier here. No danger.)
Safety is the most priority objective of most participant of why did they
relocate here in Cebu. They said that they feel safe if they are here in Cebu
because they are actually with their families and other close relatives.

37
Table 3
Struggles of the Refugees in Relocation Areas of Lapu-Lapu City
Language Barrier
Dialect fluency Candice
Dialect difficulties Phineas
Language barrier Eustace
Dialect barrier Jimmy
Socialization
Discrimination Finn
Limited actions Dipper
Limited interaction Gwen
Financial Problems Financial difficulties Phineas
Cultural Barrier
Culture Finn
Religious
discrimination
Cindy
Religious
discrimination
Gwen
Religious barrier Jimmy
Personal Distress
Responsibility Dipper
Decision-making Eustace
Emotional Distress Trauma Dipper
Physical Environment
Separation Cindy
Uncomfortable
environment
Eustace
Separation Jimmy
Eight (8) out of ten (10) participants responded when asked about their
struggles in relocation areas in Lapu-Lapu City. Seven (7) major themes

38
emerged they are: 1) Communication Barrier; 2) Socialization; 3) Financial
Problems; 4) Cultural Barrier; 5) Personal Distress; 6) Emotional Distress; and
7) Physical Environment.
Language Barrier
Language has known to be an essential tool to effectively communicate
with people. However, the unfamiliarity of a language could be a struggle to
be faced by the participants. Since most of them speaks in Maranao, only few
of them knows how to speak Bisaya or Cebuano which bears to be a new
struggle for the refugees.
To most participants, communication barrier is prevailing factor with
their struggles in the relocation areas. As stated by Candice, an 18-year old
female student who came here to work in Cebu, ineloquence in speaking
Bisaya partly deprived her from finding a job here in Cebu. This was her
statement:
“Mahirap maghanap ng work lalo na pag di ka marunong sa language
nila...mahirap magkaintindihan."
(It’s hard to look for a job especially if you don’t know their language…
it’s hard to communicate.)
On the other hand, for Phineas, an 18-year old male student at
Sudtunggan Night High School and Jimmy, a 13 year old male student at Pajo
Elementary School, they both stated that it affects their studies in ways. They

39
elaborated that sometimes their teachers speak Cebuano that they cannot
comprehend what he/she is trying to imply to them. They said that there is
also a communication barrier with their classmates because most of them
speak in Cebuano and they only speak in Maranao and a little bit of Filipino.
Here is a statement of Jimmy:
“Mahirap intindihin yung guro.Palagi akong nalulungkot… walang
kaibigan. Naakpektohan yung pag-aaral ko...Sa school, yung iba
tumatawa, di ko alam kung bakit.”
(… I don’t have friends. My studies were affected... When I first arrive
in school some were laughing… I don’t know why.)
Lastly, the data shows that many participants feel that language hinders
them in some ways here in Cebu City. Because of the fact that most Bisaya
speaks in Cebuano, most of the refugees feel that they cannot really do so
much here because most of them speaks in Maranao. However, to most
participants, they can speak Filipino but unfortunately some; they are having
a hard time communicating with it.
Socialization
Socialization is the full extent of interaction of the refugees on the
relocation areas towards their neighbors and other people near their abode.
Since there is already a language barrier between the natives and the

40
Marawi refugees, there is a possible chance that their socialization extent
will also be low.
For Finn, he experienced a struggle when his classmate made an
offensive joke towards his religion, he was offended with the joke but chose
to be open-minded and he just shrugged it off. He elaborated it when he said
that:
“Niya naa koy kuan kanang classmate. Kanang nag joke joke ba niya
nasobraan ang iyang joke. Ni-anasiya nga ako daw kay kuan mamaligya
daw koog baboy unya murag na offend ko. Ako murag ako nalang tong
gikuan ba gi ignore.”
(My classmate's joke went too far, he was saying that I sell pork and I
was offended. But in the end I just ignore it.)
For Gwen, on the other hand, an 18 year old female Muslim, she stated
that it is hard to actually socialize in her community because she does not
know a lot of people in her neighborhood. She also articulated that she does
not really go out of their house so, for her, it could be one of the reasons why
she struggles to socialize in her environment. She elaborated when she said
that:
“Ngayon di ka na masyadong makalabas kasi wala kang masyadong
kaibigan dito."

41
(Now I don’t go outside more often because I don't really have a lot of
friends to go with me.)
For the refugees, they define socialization as one of their struggles. Most
of them emphasized that the barrier on their language affected their social life
here in the relocation area. Because they do not speak on the same dialect,
they just prefer not to talk at all to their neighbors and the people near them.
However, to some participants, they cannot really socialize because they are
prohibited to go out by the institution they are currently staying in currently
and because of this they do not really have the opportunity to actually socialize
to their neighbors and to other people.
Financial problems
Because of the livelihood abandoned by many evacuees, it is inevitable
for them to experience financial problems at times like this. The war affected
their source of income that now they can say that they are struggling
financially.
Phineas, a student back in Marawi who has a huge family business back
there stated that he is experiencing financial problems at the moment because
they actually had a huge business back there. However, when the siege
surfaced, their business was forced to be closed and they were forced to leave
it there because they need to take refuge here in Cebu. He stated:
“Pera kase naiwan ang mga business namin sa Marawi.”

42
(Got financial problem, because our businesses were left at the Marawi.)
As a conclusion, money is fairly essential for the participants because
they just have been recently relocated here in Lapu-Lapu City. Furthermore,
they have already experienced enough loss from the war that their properties
and other valuables are left in their abodes unwillingly.
Cultural Barrier
Culture Barrier talks about the difference between the culture, tradition,
religion and custom of the natives in the relocation area and the Marawi
refugees.
For Jimmy who is a male Muslim, there really is a huge culture barrier
among them because the prominent religion here in Cebu is Christianity.
Jimmy elaborated it in his answer:
“Maraming Kristiyano mahirap makakuha ng kaibigan dahil magkaiba
ang religion.”
(There’s a lot of Christians it is hard to have some friends, because we
have different religion.)
For Cindy, a 15-year-old female Muslim who has been relocated in Cebu.
She said that the culture of her fellow Muslim here in Cebu are different back
in Marawi. She added that most of the female Muslims does not wear their
hijabs, so, they are having a hard time to actually identify the Muslims in a

43
society full of non-Muslims. Cindy then proceeded saying that she does not
agree with the Muslim Community here in Cebu because they are actually
tolerating this behavior. To further support, she said that:
“Kaunti lang yung Muslim dito then yung mga muslim pa dito,
karamihan pa sa kanila hindi nagsusuot ng ganito… (hijab)”
(It’s different here in Cebu because most of the people here are
Catholics and there are few Muslims unlike in Marawi and most of them
does not wear their hijabs)
Finally, culture barrier is described by the participant as a struggle they
mostly face. Because of the difference of religion and the difference of culture
back in Marawi and here in Cebu, most said that it was hard for them to
actually adjust and cope up with. Moreover, it was hard to most participants
because some of them have been discriminated by people just because of
their religion.
Personal Distress
Personal distress talks about the uncomfortable changes felt by the
participants here in the relocation area. This emphasizes on the differences
was their life back in Marawi than here in Lapu-Lapu City that had led them
to feel uncomfortable or unpleasant.
For Dipper and Eustace, who are both students at the Muslim torrel,
some things are a personal distress for them because, here in Cebu, they

44
actually do things they do not usually do back in Marawi. An example is what
Dipper stated:
“… kasi bawal lumabas…, hindi pwedeng lumabas sa bahay. ‘Yun yung
rules naming dito.”
(… we are prohibited to go outside… we are not allowed to go outside
the house.)
From the responses gathered, many refugees see their relocation as a
personal distress. Mostly because they are away from their families back in
Mindanao and because they experiencing homesick. Another probable reason
could be the fact that, many of them are not used to living in their new
environment.
Emotional Distress
The experiences of the refugees also gave them such distress
emotionally. It became a struggle to them in a way that they are already
showing signs of trauma. These emotional struggles of the participants could
be said as an aftereffect of the siege that could probably affect them in the
long run.
According to Dipper, a 16-year-old male Muslim refugee who currently
resides at Pajac, Lapu-Lapu City. Emotional distress is a struggle for him
because he felt such trauma when the war broke out back in Marawi. He
elaborated that he saw dead people shot by the militants, he further stated

45
that he even saw innards of a dead person in their neighborhood. He
elaborated it by saying:
“May takot pa ako hanggang ngayon. Mahirap makalimutan yung nakita
ko dahil marami akong nakitang namatay…saka may lamang tao
nanamatay na.”
(I am still afraid until now. It is difficult to forget what I have seen
because I’ve seen a lot of dead people…Some has even dead people’s
innards.)
Most participants stated that they have traumas after the siege, in this
case, one can hypothesize that it is one of their struggles here in the
evacuation area. Some refugees said that whenever they hear a sound similar
to the sounds of war back in Marawi, they immediately become stiff because
it reminds them of their experiences back in Marawi. Some even said that they
dream about the destruction in Marawi and that it made them feel scared.
Physical Environment
Physical environment talks about how the refugees felt about their new
environment that they saw it as a struggle. Here, it will be articulated as to
how did their new environment gave them uneasy feel towards it.
Cindy and Eustace, who are both staying at the Muslim torrel, stated
that there are a lot of struggles in their new environment. Cindy said that her

46
environment really differed because she does not have her family near her.
For Eustace, he does not like the environment in his place as of the moment
because the air conditioning unit there is not enough for him and the bed
where he sleeps is not his typical likeable bed. They elaborated it here:
Cindy and Eustace respectively said:
“Yung pagkahiwalay namin sa relatives namin doon. Kasi madaming
relatives namin ang naiwan doon sa Marawi.”
(We were separated from our relatives in Marawi. Because most of our
relatives were left behind in Marawi)
“dahil palagi mainit kasi maliit lang yung air-con. Kasi na, madami na I-
… hindi nakuha sa bahay namin.”
“Uh, at tsaka yung higaan mo, hindi gaanong komportable… most
importantly na, your parents is not in your side… Kasi my parents is my
happiness.”
(We felt humid because of the small air conditioning unit. There were
many things that were left in our house.)
(The bed you sleep in, it’s not that comfortable… Most importantly, your
parents are not by your side… Because my parents are my happiness.)
To most refugees, the environment here in Cebu is one of their struggles
because it was a new thing for them. They emphasized that back in Marawi,
the climate was a bit cool rather than here in Cebu City as they describe it as

47
very humid and hot. They also stated that the relocation areas they are staying
currently is different from their homes back in Mindanao, so, it is one of their
struggles here.

48
Table 4
Coping Mechanisms of the Refugees
Devotional Prayer
Faith Dipper
Faith Jake
Faith Eustace
Socialization
Attitude Finn
Adjustment Candice
Interaction Dipper
Conversation Cindy
Interaction Jake
Interaction Eustace
Interaction with
cousins
Jimmy
Entertainment Dipper
Strolling Cindy
Pastime Jake
Hang out with family Eustace
Social media Jimmy
Eight (8) out of ten (10) participants were asked about their coping
mechanisms towards their experiences and struggles. Two (2) themes
emerged they are: (1) Devotional Prayer and (2) Socialization.

49
Devotional Prayer
Religious belief was considered as the most major coping mechanism
used by many refugees. Many of them said that to relieve their distress from
their traumatic experiences, the first thing they do is just to pray to their God,
Allah. Many of them stated that it psychologically gives them hope and have
an optimistic view on things rather than being depressed and traumatized by
their dreadful experiences.
Moreover, religion articulates the way man must respond to challenges
and stress. Religious practices are one of the most common ways which
provide comfort to people in coping with traumatic experiences (Pargament,
1997).
According to Dipper, Jake and Eustace, who are all classmates in the
Muslim torrel at Pajac, their belief to Allah was the greatest contributor with
their coping up in their traumatic experiences. An example is the statement
of Dipper saying:
“Dinaan ko nalang sa pagpray para konti nalang yung takot…kung hindi
mag-aaral dito parang wala kang kwenta bilang isang Muslim.”
(I pray so my fears are now lessened for us, if you finish this course,
you will directly go to heaven when you die…when a Muslim does not
study Arabic, he may not have a value.)

50
As a conclusion, the participants see their devotion to their religion as
a coping mechanism because it gives them the sense of hopefulness. Their
way of forgetting the effects of the siege is to pray and do the necessary
customs in their belief because it gives them self-satisfaction in believing
that a Muslim should know their religion holistically to go to heaven
Socialization
This coping mechanism deals about the refugees’ ability to actually
cope up with the help of the people in their environment. Socialization is
about interaction of the refugees towards other people in their own premise
may it be a family, a relative or acquaintances.
Many refugees utilize the presence of their friends, relatives and families
as one of their coping mechanisms. They said that through their socialization
they experience a relief and they momentarily forget the trauma they
experience back in Marawi. In socializing they mean physical socialization and
virtual socialization like the social media.
For Cindy, Dipper and Finn, just by socializing and talking to their friends,
families and neighbors, they are able to cope up with the trauma and actually
trying to slowly recover from it. Just like what Dipper said saying:
“…nakikipag-usap ako sa aking mga kaklase…mga kaibigan at nag-
games. Sa paglalaro ng games, nalilimutan yung trauma, naiiwasan
yung problema dahil sa saya. Konti-konti nalilimutan ko rin.”

51
(…I interact with my classmates. I go to my friends and play games. In
playing games, I forget the traumatic experiences and I avoid the
problem because of the fun I feel…Day by day, I learn how to forget
those experiences.)
However, for Jake is a 13-year-old male Muslim refugee and Jimmy,
they cope up by utilizing the social media and actually by strolling and enjoying
the places here in Cebu to relieve themselves. Jake said that:
“…Nag-iinternet. Facebook, Youtube. Ika-anim Na Utos. Lumalabas ng
bahay, namamasyal sa parkmall kumakain sa KFC… naglalaro kasama
mga pinsan ko.”
(…Internet Surfing. Facebook, YouTube I watch Ika-anim n a utos, Our
family going out to Parkmalland we will eat at KFC…Playing with
cousins.)
Many refugees think that through socialization they can actually share
their thoughts freely and the company of the people around them gives
them strength to pursue life. They also utilize social media and the Internet
to forget about their dreadful experiences.

52
CHAPTER III
SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Significant Findings
Based on the themes generated in this study, the following are the
significant findings:
The major themes identified as the experiences of the participants
during the Marawi siege are as follows: (1) security threats; (2) experiential
distress; and (3) emotional distress.
The experiences of the refugees in the Marawi siege resulted to (1)
uncomfortable environment that made them decide to relocate in Lapu-Lapu
City, Cebu. Other factors that influenced the refugees’ decision to relocate in
Lapu-Lapu City include (2) family relations; (3) pursuit of their education; and
(4) safety purposes.
The refugees, upon relocating, had to deal with struggles. The following
are the struggles that they experienced: (1) language barriers; (2) difficulty
in socializing; (3) financial problems; (4) cultural barriers; (5) personal
distress; (6) emotional distress; and (7) physical environment.
In order for them to cope up with the struggles in their new
environment, the refugees used mechanisms such as: (1) devotional prayers
and (2) socialization.

53
The emerging themes of the study are essential in understanding the
current situation of the participants of the study.
Conclusion
The Marawi refugees have experienced fear, trauma and emotional
distresses because of terrorism. The research participants chose to relocate in
Lapu-Lapu City for security, education, and the improvement of livelihood. As
of the moment, they are struggling to communicate and to interact to their
environment in relocation areas because of the cultural and language
variation. A majority of the participants are suffering financial problems and
struggling with their physical environment. In line with their struggles, they
have been coping through devotional prayers and studying the Qur'an.
Furthermore, they emphasized that socialization is a significant mechanism to
cope with their traumatic experiences and struggles.
Recommendations
For Social Institutions
1. The counselors and social workers shall conduct a program that will
assess the experiences of refugees with sensitive and deep
understanding as the findings show that majority of them are still in the
process of coping.
2. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),
government sectors and non-government organizations must be

54
equipped and must have a proper program to support the refugees who
decided to relocate in Lapu-Lapu City to ensure security and to help
provide their basic needs, such as giving job training and job matching
programs for parent refugees.
3. Teachers in learning institutions shall consider their method of
instruction towards the student refugees, as our data depicts that most
of the young refugees struggle on understanding Visayan language.
For Future Researchers
1. The study may use the triangulation method by interviewing the
relatives and cohabitants of the subjects.
2. The study may use a larger number of participants to reveal other
struggles, coping mechanisms, and experiences of Marawi refugees,
which may not have been uncovered in this study.
3. Future researchers must have the aid of an interpreter who speaks the
language of the participants so that it would be easier for them to freely
express their thoughts and experiences.
4. Future studies may focus on less fortunate refugees of the siege such
as those evacuated in Iligan City who were deprived of sufficient security
and daily basic needs, and the public servants who were firsthand
experiencers of assisting the refugees in camps.

55
REFERENCES
Alayarian, A. (2009). Torture. Journal of Rehabilitation of Torture Victims and
Prevention of Torture, 19(2), 145-156.
Baker, R. E. (2001, December). A Phenomenological Study Of The
Resettlement Experiences. San Antonio, Texas, United States of
America.
Beauchamp, Z.(2015, November 19) ISIS, a history: how the world's worst
terror group came to be. Retrieved from
https://www.vox.com/2015/11/19/9760284/isis-history
Beiser, M., Hou, F., Hyman, I., & Tousignant, M. (2002). Poverty, family
process, and the mental health of immigrant children in Canada.
American Journal of Public Health, 92(2), 220-228.
Bergland, C. “Emotional Distress Can Speed Up Cellular Aging.” Psychology
Today, Sussex Publishers, 7 Apr. 2014,
www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201404/emotional-
distress-can-speed-cellular-aging.
Catto, K. D. (2016, August 19). Critical Studies on Security. The Paris attacks:
government responses, scholarly reactions and social solidarities,
pp. 222-224.

56
chiavo-Campo, S., & Judd, M. (2005). The Mindanao Conflict in the Pilippines:
Roots, Costs, Potential Peace Dividend. Northwest Washington DC: The
World Bank.
Chiumento, A. (2017, February 27). Responding to emotional distress as a
result of exposure to war and displacement. Retrieved September 28,
2017, from
http://www.mhinnovation.net/blog/2017/jan/26/responding-
emotional-distress-result-exposure-war-and-displacement
Cloud, D. (2012). Physical Environment. Study.com. Retrieved from:
http://study.com/academy/lesson/physical-environment-for-children-
definition-characteristics-examples.html
Colman, A. (2015, June 1). Recreational Therapy: Helping Soldiers Cope With
PTSD. The National Recreation and Parks Association. Retrieved
September 27, 2017, from http://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-
magazine/2015/june/recreational-therapy-helping-soldiers-cope-with-
ptsd/
Communication studies. Barriers to communication. August 28, 2012.
September 27, 2017
Connor, P. (2010). Explaining the refugee gap: Economic outcomes of
refugees versus other immigrants. Journal of Refugee Studies, 23, 377-
397.

57
Dombreck, M. (2006). Socialization. MentalHelp.net. Retrieved
from:https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/socialization/
Ehwarieme, W. (2015). Civil Society and Terr orism in Nigeria: A Study
of the Boko Haram Crisis. International Journal on World Peace,
vol.32, no.3.
Eisenstadt, S.N. (1954). The Absorption of Immigrants. Retrieved from:
https://msu.edu/course/pls/461/stein/MNREXP1.htm. London:
Routledge and Kegan.
Ex, J. (1966). Adjustment After Migration: A Longitudinal Study of the
Process of Adjustment by Refugees to a New Environment.
Retrieved from: https://msu.edu/course/pls/461/stein/MNREXP1.htm.
The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff.
Financial Problems (2016) Ginsberg, gingras and associates. Retrieved from:
http://ginsberg-gingras.com/en/cause-of-financial-difficulties/
Fonbuena, C.(2017, June 26) Terror in Mindanao:The Mautes of Marawi.
Retrieved from http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/indepth/173697-
terrorism-mindanao-maute-family-marawi-city
Garza-Guerrero, A.C.( 1974).”Culture Shock: Its Mourning and the
Vicissitudes of Identity”. Retrieved from:
https://msu.edu/course/pls/461/stein/MNREXP1.htm. Journal of the
American Psychoanalytic Association, 22:408-429.

58
Gervais, R. (2014). Religion forms buffer against work stress. Retrieved from
Telegraph.Co.Uk
Gordon, M.M. (1964). Assimilation in American Life: The Role of Race, Religion,
and National Origins. Retrieved from:
https://msu.edu/course/pls/461/stein/MNREXP1.htm. New York:
Oxford University Press.
Hayes, Steven C.; Wilson, Kelly G.; Gifford, Elizabeth V.; Follette, Victoria M.;
Strosahl, Kirk (1996). "Experiential avoidance and behavioral disorders:
A functional dimensional approach to diagnosis and treatment". Journal
of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 64 (6): 1152–68. PMID 8991302.
doi:10.1037/0022-006X.64.6.1152.
Heleta, S. (2015). Rebuilding higher education after war. University World
News. Retrieved from:
www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=201503698214
Hernandez, K. H. (2017, June 17). 59 Marawi refugees died of various
AILMENTS – DOH. Retrieved from The Manila Times:
http://www.manilatimes.net/59-marawi-refugees-died-various-
ailments-doh/333223/
History: Mindanao conflict and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (nd).
Retrieved from http://www.c-r.org/where-we-work/southeast-
asia/history-mindanao-conflict-and-moro-islamic-liberation-front

59
Hitch, P. J., & Rack, H. (1980). “Mental illness among Polish and Russian
refugees in Bradford”. British Journal of Psychiatry, 137, 206-211.
Jasinskaj-Lahti, I., & Liebkind, K. (2001). “Perceived discrimination and
psychological adjustment among Russian-speaking immigrant
adolescents in Finland”. International Journal of Psychology,
36(3), 174-185.
Jason, A. (2009). Perseverance as a coping mechanism Retrieved from:
http://jasonaddis.blogspot.com/2009/06/perseverance-as-coping-
mechanism.html?m=1
Krok, D. (2014). The mediating role of coping in the relationships between
religiousness and mental health. Archives of Psychiatry and
Psychotherapy.
Leherher, Z. (1993). The psychology of immigrants: A literature review.
Jerusalem: Israel Defense Forces & JDC-Brookdale Institute of
Gerontology and Human Development.
Maute plans to raise ISIS flags at Lanao capitol, Marawi city hall to declare
'wilayat'. (2017, May 27). Retrieved from
www.gmanetwork.com:http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news
Pfister-Ammende, M.(1973).Uprooting and Resettlement as a Sociological
Problem. Retrieved from:

60
https://msu.edu/course/pls/461/stein/MNREXP1.htm.Geneva: World
Federation for Mental Health.
Phan, L. R.-W. (2005). Understanding Vietnamese refugee women's identity
development from a sociopolitical and historical perspective.
Journal of Counseling and Development.
Porter, M., & Haslam, N. (2005). “Predisplacement and postdisplacement
factors associated with mental health of refugees and internally
displaced persons: A meta-analysis”. Journal of the American
Medical Association, 294, 602- 612.
Ranji, U., Wyn R., Salganicoff, A., & Yu, H. (2007). Role of health insurance
coverage in women’s access to prescription medicines. Women’s Health
Issues, 17, 360-366
Rogg, E.M. (1974). The Assimilation of Cuban Exiles: The Role of Community
and Class. Retrieved from:
https://msu.edu/course/pls/461/stein/MNREXP1.htm. New York:
Aberdeen Press.
Ronda RA. Unicef: 50,000 kids affected by Marawi siege. PhilStar.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/06/01/1705639/unicef-
50000-kids-affected-marawi-siege. Published June 1, 2017. Accessed
September 30, 2017.

61
Santa Barbara, J. (2006). Impact of War on Children and Imperative to End
War. Croatian Medical Journal, 47(6), 891–894.
Sylvia Concepciòn, L. D. (2003). Breaking the Links Between Economics and
Conflict in Mindanao. Davao City: Alternate Forum for Research in
Mindanao.
The United Nation (UN) Security Council Resolution 1566. (2004).
International Law & World Order: Westons & Carlsons Basic
Documents.United Nations.
Tyhurst, L. (1982). Coping with refugees. A Canadian experience: 1948-1981.
International Journal of Psychiatry, 28, 105-109.
Vulcan, N. (2012). What Are Cultural Barriers. People of Our Everyday Life.
Retrieved from: http://peopleof.oureverydaylife.com/cultural-barriers-
7890.html
Wallis, C. (1983, June 6). Stress: Can We Cope? TIME.
Wang, L. & Freeland, D. (2004). “Coping with immigration: New challenges
for the mental health profession”. In J.L Chin (Ed.), The
Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination. Westport, Conn:
Praeger Perspectives.

62
Williams, Y. (2011). What is Psychological Distress. Study.com. Retrieved
from: http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-psychological-
distress-definition-lesson-quiz.html
Xiangyang, C. (2015). Safeguarding and improving the Post-World War II
International Order. China Us Focus. Retrieved from:
www.chinausfocus.com/peace-security/safeguarding-and-improving-
the-post-world-war-ii-international-order
Xiangyang, C. (2015). Safeguarding and improving the Post-World War II
International Order. China Us Focus. Retrieved from:
www.chinausfocus.com/peace-security/safeguarding-and-improving-
the-post-world-war-ii-international-order
Zwingmann, C. (1978). Uprooting and Related Phenomena: A Descriptive
Bibliography. Retrieved from:
https://msu.edu/course/pls/461/stein/MNREXP1.htm. Geneva: World
Health Organization

63
APPENDICES
A. Work Schedules
No. Tasks Days
Date
(2017)
FIRST TRANCHE
1 Formulation of the Research Title 1 June 30
2 Approval of Research Title 1 July 3
3
Formulation of the Statement of the
Problem, Sub-Problems, and Significance of
the Study
2 July 8-9
4 Approval of the Problems and Significance 1 July 10
5 Reading and Writing of RRL of the Study 36
July 9 – August
14
6 Formulation of Research Methodology 3 August 11-13
7
Approval of RRL Written Research
Methodology
1 August 23
9
Formulation and Revision of Chapter 1 for
Research Proposal
1 September 1
10
Asking Authorized Organizations about
Whereabouts of Possible Research
Participants
1 September 2
11
Presentation and Approval of Research
Proposal
1 September 3
SECOND TRANCHE
12 Signing of Transmittal Letters 1 September 7-8
13
Asking Consent from the Barangays for
Data-Gathering
1
September 8
14
Informing and Asking for the Consent of
Possible Participants for In-depth Interview
2
September 8-
10
15
Approval of Consent and Orientation of
Research Participants
3
September 9 -
11
16
Profiling and In-depth Interview of
Participants
15
September 10
– September
24
17 Transcribing of Results and Coding of Data 21
September 10
– September
30

64
18
Formulation of the Summary of Findings,
Conclusions and Recommendations
2
September 29-
September 30
19
Editing, Proofreading, and Binding of
Paperwork
6
October 2 - 4
20 Research Defense 1 October 9
Total Number of Days: 75 days
Prepared by:
REINA MARIZ P. BAGUIO
Name and Signature
Approved by:
MS. NYMPHA A. TAPAO

65
B. Budget
First Tranche Estimate
Cost
Activities Resources/Materials
Printing and Presentation of the Research
Proposal paper made by the Researcher
Printing of the papers
(25) pages
Php
50.00
Transportation Allowance for meetings
within the researchers.
Fare(6) x (Php 50.00)
each
Php
300.00
Printing of Research Proposal’s paper of
approval to be signed by the research’s
instructor, Miss Nympha Tapao.
Printing of the papers
(15) pages
Php
30.00
Compiling all the papers Office Supplies
(Folders, staples,
fastener)
Php
30.00
TOTAL FIRST TRANCHE
Php
410.00
SECOND TRANCHE
Locating the participants of the study Transportation
Expenses (6)
researchers X Php
100.00
Php
600.00
Asking consents to the participants for
Data gathering
Printing of the
consents (20) X Php
1.00
Php
20.00
Data Gathering through in-depth
interviews and FGD Focus Group
Discussion.
Photocopy of tool for
the questionnaire Php
2.00 X (6) researchers
Php
12.00
Transportation Allowance and snacks for
meetings within the researchers for the
final Research Paper
Fare (6) researcher X
(4) meetings X Php
50.00 each
Php
1,200.00
Writing and Printing of the summary of
findings, conclusions and
recommendations
Printing supplies(500)
Bond paper sheets Php
200.00, Ink Cartridge
Php 400.00
Php
600.00

66
TOTAL SECOND TRANCHE
Php
2,420.00
GRAND TOTAL OF BUDGET Php
2,830.00
Prepared by:
CEILO FETH SALINGUHAY
Name and Signature
Approved by:
MS. NYMPHA A. TAPAO
Research Instructor

67
C. Transmittal Letters
BASAK

71
D. Informed Consents
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER (STEC)
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
PROJECT TITLE: “HOME AWAY FROM HOME: Struggles of Marawi
Refugees in Relocation Areas of Lapu-Lapu City”
INTRODUCTION
You are invited to join a research study to look at the experiences of the
Marawi refugees that have evacuated to Cebu. Please take whatever time you
need to discuss the study with your family and friends, or anyone else you
wish to. The decision to join, or not to join, is up to you.
In this research study, we are investigating the events that the Marawi
refugees experienced in Mindanao, the factors that affect how they adapt to
their new environment and how they are being accepted by the residents of
the community in Lapu-Lapu City specifically in Barangay Basak. The current
situation of the war in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur has been the same for the
past three months, with the Maute terrorist group and Abu Sayyaf Salafi
jihadist groups. The ongoing conflict has internally displaced many citizens
where they may have encountered struggled during and after relocation to
safer areas.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE STUDY?
If you decide to participate, you will be asked to answer the following
questions through a process called in-depth interview. Questions involve
demographic questions, which include information like your age, ethnicity,
level of education, household composition (marital status), and your
professional or employment status. We will then ask you questions that we
have prepared beforehand. This in-depth interview will take up to 30 minutes
to an hour.
The investigators may stop the study or take you out of the study at any time
they judge it is in your best interest. They may also remove you from the
study for various other reasons. Reasons include if they have gathered enough
information from you; whether your experiences are not relevant to our study;
and if you begin to pose a threat to the investigators. They can do this without
your consent.

72
RISKS
This study involves the following risks: the possibility of you recalling
your traumatic experiences when you were in Marawi. There may also be other
risks that we cannot predict.
BENEFITS TO TAKING PART IN THE STUDY?
It is reasonable to expect the following benefits from this research: You
will be able to relieve some of the trauma that you have experienced, and
your responses will provide essential information to mental health
professionals, government and non-government organizations, and
volunteers in their efforts to provide relief to the people affected by this crisis.
However, we can’t guarantee that you will personally experience benefits from
participating in this study. Others may benefit in the future from the
information we find in this study.
CONFIDENTIALITY
We will take the following steps to keep information about you
confidential, and to protect it from unauthorized disclosure, tampering, or
damage: the researchers, and the institution will have access to the responses
that you have given to us, we will be using codenames to conceal your identity.
The files and raw information gathered will be kept in computers that are
secured with a password. Your responses will be transcribed and quoted for
the individual questions we have given.
YOUR RIGHTS AS A RESEARCH PARTICIPANT?
Participation in this study is voluntary. You have the right not to
participate at all or to leave the study at any time. Deciding not to participate
or choosing to leave the study will not result in any penalty or loss of benefits
to which you are entitled, and it will not harm your relationship with the
researchers. If you wish to withdraw from the study, just inform the
researcher whose contact information is found below.
CONTACTS FOR QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS
Call Reina Mariz Baguio at 09426532084 or email Reina Mariz Baguio
and Ceilo Feth Salinguhay at marizreina@gmail.com or
ceilofeth101@gmail.com and if you have questions about the study, any
problems, unexpected physical or psychological discomforts, any injuries, or
think that something unusual or unexpected is happening.

74
INTRODUCTION
safer areas.
to an hour.
your consent.

75
RISKS
CONFIDENTIALITY
Call Reina Mariz Baguio at 09426532084 or email Reina Mariz Baguio and
Ceilo Feth Salinguhay at marizreina@gmail.com or ceilofeth101@gmail.com
and if you have questions about the study, any problems, unexpected
physical or psychological discomforts, any injuries, or think that something
unusual or unexpected is happening.

77
INTRODUCTION
safer areas.
to an hour.
your consent.

78
RISKS
CONFIDENTIALITY

80
INTRODUCTION
safer areas.
to an hour.
your consent.

81
RISKS
CONFIDENTIALITY

83
INTRODUCTION
safer areas.
to an hour.
your consent.

Home Away From Home: Struggles of Marawi Refugees in Relocation Areas of Lapu-Lapu City

Home Away From Home: Struggles of Marawi Refugees in Relocation Areas of Lapu-Lapu City

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Similar to Home Away From Home: Struggles of Marawi Refugees in Relocation Areas of Lapu-Lapu City

Similar to Home Away From Home: Struggles of Marawi Refugees in Relocation Areas of Lapu-Lapu City (20)

More from Mariz Pascua

More from Mariz Pascua (17)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Home Away From Home: Struggles of Marawi Refugees in Relocation Areas of Lapu-Lapu City