Eight years after the 2017 Marawi siege, the city's skyline still bears scars of twisted steel and hollowed buildings. Thousands of families linger in temporary shelters amid slow reconstruction, while journalists reflect on restricted access and unanswered questions about the conflict's toll.
The Marawi siege began in May 2017 when Islamic State-inspired militants overran parts of the predominantly Muslim city in Mindanao. Government forces retook it in October 2017, declaring victory and liberation from terrorism. Yet, as of October 2025, the ruins serve as stark reminders of the five-month war's devastation.
Reconstruction efforts, overseen by Task Force Bangon Marawi and various agencies, have progressed unevenly. Thousands of displaced families remain in temporary shelters, awaiting their return to the city in Lanao del Sur.
Journalists who covered the events faced significant challenges due to martial law imposed by then-president Rodrigo Duterte. Access to the conflict zone was limited, with information filtered through daily military briefings at the Lanao del Sur provincial capitol. Most photos and videos were supplied by the military.
Photojournalist Fernando Sepe Jr., a former deputy editor of ABS-CBN, recalled: “The press lost its role to be the eyes and ears of the public.” He noted how the military blocked routes into Marawi, denying vantage points and leaving reporters reliant on official footage.
Veteran reporter Ed Lingao described it as a turning point: “Filipino journalists used to have unlimited access and a front seat view to conflict areas. Marawi was different. The military was systematic in denying access.” Military officials and Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong justified restrictions for journalists' safety.
In response, journalists including Chiara Zambrano, Jamela Alindogan, Carolyn Arguillas, and Jes Aznar formed the “Roque Juan” collective. They met with Major General Ramiro Manuel Rey, commander of Task Force Ranao, securing limited access to cross Mapandi Bridge in late September 2017 for a glimpse of the devastation.
Unresolved issues persist. The military reported 1,000 to 2,000 civilians trapped, with about 1,000 rescued, but no independent verification exists for civilian deaths. Reports of looting by soldiers and police in September 2017 led to nowhere investigations. Post-siege, scrap metal convoys departed for Iligan and Cagayan de Oro, and P2 billion in foreign donations from Australia, the United States, Japan, China, and Thailand remain unaccounted for by Task Force Bangon Marawi.
For those who covered it, the siege highlighted tensions between press and power, leaving a search for truth ongoing in archives and unanswered questions.