Massive Solidarity Walk Held in Marawi for Victims in Gaza
COTABATO CITY (August 17, 2025) — Over 1,300 people from various sectors came together for a peaceful solidarity walk in support of Palestine on Friday at Sarimanok Stadium, Ground Zero in Marawi City. The event was organized by Sumud Nusantara in collaboration with the MSU-Main Supreme Student Government (SSG) and the Moriatao Diwan Young Professionals (MDYP) to support the global call to #FreePalestine.
Participants included Ustadz, Imams, students, and parents from different communities. Marchers carried placards with messages urging an end to violence and the liberation of Gaza.
The long-standing conflict between Palestine and Israel reignited on October 7, 2023. Since then, the war has resulted in the deaths of at least 61,000 Palestinians over 679 days of Israeli occupation, averaging more than 90 deaths per day, including over 18,000 children. Human rights groups have described this situation as a genocidal war.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported nearly 200 starvation-related deaths and around 12,000 children under the age of five suffering from severe malnutrition in Gaza.
Jawad Dimaporo of MDYP stated that the event aimed to urge world leaders to immediately halt the killing of civilians in Gaza and to allow unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. He expressed hope that the movement would amplify calls to protect journalists and ensure aid reaches those most in need.
Professor Tirmizy Abdullah from the History Department at MSU-Main emphasized that the call to “Free Palestine” reflects the struggle to liberate Palestine from oppression, occupation, and genocide—a tragedy he described as one of the most horrific in history. He noted that the Bangsamoro people resonate with this call, having experienced colonization and armed struggle in their own history.
The gathering concluded with a unified message: to build a future where children live without fear, families are safe in their homes, and communities thrive in peace and dignity. (BMN/BangsamoroToday)
