FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army commemorates the 2nd Marawi Siege anniversary today, May 23, 2019 to honor the government forces that liberated Marawi City from the Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorists.
Active and retired Marawi commanders, personnel involved in the Marawi campaign, civilian employees, and dependents of fallen Marawi soldiers gathered together in a holy mass and wreath-laying ceremony at the Marawi Pylon, Libingan ng mga Bayani.
While the former Joint Task Force Marawi commander and now Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Baustista was giving his speech, he requested all uniformed personnel to render a salute to the fallen Marawi heroes.
“By commemorating the lives of uniformed personnel who perished during the siege of Marawi City, civilians and uniformed personnel alike, we remind the Nation that together as in one people, one nation, in the Name of God, the Filipino can and the Filipino is invincible,” said Bautista.
Participants also gathered prior to the ceremony. Among the attendees is retired Lt. Gen. Danilo G. Pamonag who is one of the commanders during the siege. “[The] greatest moment is to be with soldiers in the fight and see their sacrifices. [I am] Deeply honored to remember those who were wounded and opted to return to the fight,” he said.
After the ceremony, a picnic was shared by soldiers and family members of the fallen comrades. It was a moment wherein they exchanged stories of the mission and the sacrifices of the soldiers who perished during the battle.
Capt. Monroe B. Bongyad of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion added that the commemoration is a day to remember those who died, “Salamat sa Panginoon, na bigyan ako ng pagkakataong mabuhay muli,” he said.
The Siege of Marawi was the largest and longest urban warfare in the country's history when terrorists led by Isnilon Hapilon and the Maute brothers tried to take control of the city and establish their Islamic State province. President Rodrigo Duterte subsequently declared Martial Law in Mindanao and deployed additional forces to address the escalating conflict. The liberation of city was finally declared by the President on October 17, 2017.
The five-month-long battle resulted to the ultimate sacrifice of 165 government forces and effectively decimated the Lanao-based terrorist organization.
"The Marawi Siege will forever be etched in the minds of all Filipinos that the resiliency and determination of our soldiers prevailed over forces who are bent on destroying our democratic foundations. It is only fitting that we remember their bravery such that future generations can look back and see what sacrifice and patriotism truly mean,’ said Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto#
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.