Military commemorates liberation of Marawi City

October 17, 2018

The military on Wednesday marked the first year of liberation of Marawi City from Islamic State-linked militants after five months of heavy fighting.

General Carlito Galvez, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines ( AFP) was in Marawi to lead a wreath-laying ceremony for the 168 soldiers who died at Heroes Wall inside the headquarters of the 103rd Brigade of the Philippine Army at Kampo Ranao.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi last year.

“Today (yesterday) marks the first year liberation of Marawi City from the siege that had destroyed a beautiful city and ruined the lives and dreams of many of our beloved countrymen,” said Galvez, overall commander of the military during the battle.

With Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, commander of the 1st Infantry Division and other key ground military commanders, Galvez pinned medals on 20 officers and enlisted personnel from the 103rd Brigade.

The 20 officers and enlisted personnel were given gold cross, military merit and bronze cross medals.

Also present was Father Chito Soganob, one of  the civilian hostages who survived the battle.

Hundreds of displaced families remain in evacuation sites as soldiers have not finished clearing the areas of bombs.

 Task Force Bangon Marawi claimed to have cleared 95 per cent of the main battle area.

Residents have been appealing to the government to return to their homes. DMS