Lanao Sur urges families to submit DNA samples for Marawi siege victims

ILIGAN CITY — More than six years after the siege of Marawi City, provincial authorities are intensifying efforts to identify over 400 unclaimed remains interred at the Maqbara Muslim cemetery in the conflict-torn city.

The Lanao del Sur provincial government has launched a fresh appeal to families of missing persons from the 2017 siege to submit DNA samples for comparison with the remains. According to officials, only around one-third of the families have thus far provided specimens needed for genetic testing and identification.

The 2017 Marawi siege resulted in widespread casualties and destruction as government forces battled armed militants in the predominantly Muslim city. The conflict left many families searching for closure, with dozens of victims remaining unidentified despite years of recovery and burial efforts.

Identification efforts have proven challenging due to the scale of casualties and the condition of the remains. Provincial officials have emphasized the importance of DNA testing in providing families with definitive answers about their missing relatives and enabling proper funeral rites according to Islamic tradition.

Authorities have urged families to come forward with DNA samples at designated collection centers, stressing that the identification process remains ongoing and that no deadline for submission has been set.