The Negros Occidental provincial government will be raising funds to assist in the rehabilitation of Marawi City, following a five-month war between government forces and the Maute terror group, which is backed by the Islamic State (IS).

Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. yesterday said, with President Rodrigo Duterte visiting Bacolod City last Sunday, he asked the president to launch the “Negros Cares” project.

“Everybody can help,” the governor said. “From the lowly pedicab driver to the local government units.”

“I also plan to ask the help of the religious sector, the non-government organizations, private sectors, the civil society and the sugar industry,” he added.

Meanwhile, the governor said the president confirmed 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) troops deployed to Marawi City would be returning to Negros./DGB, WDJ