News Feature: AFP thankful of the trust and confidence of the locals in Marawi City

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6): News Feature: AFP thankful of the trust and confidence of the locals in Marawi City

Despite the risk they take when they go in the battlefield to fight against the terror brought by the Maute group in Marawi City, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) still continue to safeguard the lives of the civilians affected by the armed conflict, and undertake strategies to ensure that civilians are all safe during rescue.

In an interview, Lt. Col. Joar Herrera, spokesperson of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army expressed that the strong support, trust and confidence of the locals in Marawi City and citizens from different parts of the country has boosted the Army’s morale and commitment to do more as they continue to rescue trapped civilians in the areas still covered by the Maute terrorist group.

“Most of our personnel who are now in the battlefield rescuing civilians and protecting their lives against any harm that is caused by the terrorist group are not from Mindanao. Our men in the battlefield willingly accepted their roles as protector of the people no matter how hard it is fighting against terrorists. They also have families who care and love them,” said Herrera.

Col. Herrera shared that the moral support shown by the people they’ve helped in Marawi City is overwhelming and has inspired them more to continue serving others. “The fight against terrorism is not yet over and we will make sure this terrorist group will not succeed in any way they try to do,” he prompted.

Also, Major Abdulah Mocsana, Civil-Military Operations (CMO) officer of 103rd Brigade, 1st ID, Philippine Army, who is also a native of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur elaborated that he will do his best to serve the welfare of the civilians especially in this trying times, where many lives were lost and properties destroyed by the Maute group.

“I and my family are also victims of this terrorist group and I could not afford seeing my fellow Maranaos suffer the same. Despite our situation, as an army of the republic, I chose to gain more strength than be weakened because I know our people needs the AFP to save them,” Mocsana underlined.

Mocsana added that seeing people appreciating the works of the AFP is rewarding.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2041496740704/news-feature-afp-thankful-of-the-trust-and-confidence-of-the-locals-in-marawi-city