AFP commemorates “doubly significant” All Souls Day for fallen heroes of Marawi

October 31, 2017

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said the commemoration of All Souls' Day is "doubly significant" for the widows, orphans and families of the warrior heroes of Marawi City.

"The commemoration of All Souls Day this year becomes doubly significant for the widows, orphans and families of 158 AFP and 7 PNP (Philippine National Police) warrior heroes who died in Marawi during the siege of the city by Daesh-inspired rebels," it said in a statement.

"By far, the longest armed conflict situation in post world war Philippine history, the Marawi siege left a once peaceful and economically vibrant city in ruins and utter economic decay. The local armed conflict raged for more than five months and paralyzed the whole city and turned the lives of thousands of residents of the city and nearby municipalities in limbo," it added.

The military said many stories of gallantry and heroism were witnessed during the nearly five-month conflict that showed the true courage and dedication of troops to protect lives not only the Filipino but also their loved ones, and even their comrades.

Captain Rommel Sandoval, Special Operations Commander of the 1st  Scout Ranger Company of the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion, First Scout Ranger Regiment, died as he rescued and protected a soldier.

"Until his last breath, Sandoval kept his promise to keep his men alive. Using his body, he covered the soldier from the overwhelming enemy fire preventing the bullets from further injuring his troop," it said.

2 Lt. Harold Mark Juan of the Army’s Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Special Operations Command,  is one of the soldiers who got injured during the fighting but decided to return tothe  battle ground. Unfortunately, Juan was killed by sniper fire.

"These are just few of the stories of heroism that soldiers have done while performing the mandate to serve the people and secure the land. And we would commemorate their sacrifices and honor each of our fallen heroes who fought not only in Marawi, but in various places in the country, this All Souls Day," AFP said. Ella Dionisio/DMS