Matapat troopers receive heroes’ welcome

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 2): Matapat troopers receive heroes’ welcome

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Local officials, teachers, students, and civilians accorded a heroes’ welcome to the battle-weary troopers of the 53r d Infantry (Matapat) Battalion, Philippine Army on Saturday, October 28.

They returned to their headquarters at Camp David Sabido in Guipos town after fighting a fierce war with the Maute terrorists in Marawi City for five months.

The soldiers were deployed in Marawi two days after the siege on May 23, 2017, overcoming great odds to become the heroes of our country.

Resounding chants of glee

About 130 returning “Matapat” troopers received a rousing welcome from their families and well-wishers, with resounding chants of “welcome home sir,” “salamat sir,” “ang galing ninyo sir,” and also with the popular accolade “idol”.

In a brief but emotional welcome ceremony, LtCol. Virgilio C. Hamos, Jr., commander of the 53r d IB congratulated the troopers for their selfless sacrifice that led to the victory and restoration of peace and order in Marawi.

“On behalf of the Filipino people who pinned their hopes on you, welcome back, welcome home and thank you for a job well done,” Hamos said.

Hamos said 5 months ago, when he sent the troops to Marawi, he was expecting that they will all come home alive and well.

Hamos said the troopers were among the thousands of military personnel deployed to counter the ISIS-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf Groups which created havoc in Marawi City.

During the siege, the troopers have exhibited the finest virtues of Filipino soldiers such as bravery, loyalty, honor and allegiance to the country that led them to succeed in battle.

“Your success in Marawi City is our success. It is the success of the Filipino people and the nation in the fight against terrorism and the whole nation is extremely proud of you,” Hamos said.

Surprised and happy of heroes’ welcome

Executive officer Lt. Ronald Fuentes said when the troops arrived at the bus terminal, he was surprised to see people clapping and chanting while the Guipos National High School drum corps entertained the soldiers with their catchy toe-tapping beats.

“Ang sakripisyo, panganib, hirap, pagod at puyat na aming naranasan sa limang buwang giyera sa Marawi ay biglang napawi ng makita naming masayang sumalubong ang mga tao sa amin,” Fuentes happily narrated.

Lt. Justine Michael Rabino, company commander of ”Bravo” company said they were instructed to get off the bus terminal and to walk going to the headquarters.

“Pagbaba namin sa aming mga sasakyan, nakita namin ang maraming tao na nakangiti, kumakaway at bitbit ang mga flaglets na sumalubong sa amin at masigasig na bumati sa tropa.” Rabino said, beaming with a smile.

Marawi liberators

“The people are proud that the 53r d IB troopers have been part of the government forces that liberated Marawi from the terrorists,” he added.

Meanwhile, Staff Sgt. Eddiemhar Omar was grateful to the officers for initiating the welcome ceremony to honor the soldiers for risking their lives to protect our country. He said this was the first time that he experienced such kind of welcome and it warms the heart.

“In my 19 years of military service, this is the first time that I was able to experience this welcome parade,” Omar said in the local dialect. He recalled that he had encountered war with the ASG and CPP-NPA-NDF when he was assigned in Jolo but there was no ceremony held.

“Masaya ako na ginawa ang heroes’ welcome parade dahil nagkita kami ng asawa ko na matagal ko nang hindi nakita,” Omar said as his wife kissed and hugged him tightly.

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1001505