3 Ilonggo soldiers cited for role in Marawi liberation

He was “proud” that he was part of the team that liberated Marawi City. He said that while there, they prayed hard that God will keep them safe as some of their comrades died while others got sick. (PIXABAY PHOTO)

ILOILO CITY— Three Ilonggo soldiers on Monday received a Mayor’s Citation during the flag-raising ceremony for their “contribution to the liberation” of Marawi City.

Private Andrew Catequista, Corporal Mark R. Gevero and Staff Sergeant Rodel T. Pacaña “not only earned distinct credit for themselves and the Philippine Army but to the people of Iloilo City for being bonafide members of the city community,” according to the distinction signed by Mayor Jose Espinosa III.

The three are members of the 31st Division Reconnaissance Company of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID). While their company was based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, they were deployed to Bohol to run against Abu Sayaff members prior their deployment to Marawi that lasted for five months.

They came home to Iloilo City on October 22.

Pacaña, 41, a father of two from Rizal Pala-Pala 2, city proper here, said he was thankful that they came home safe to their respective families. They were assigned to secure the rear end of their troops in the main battle area.

He was “proud” that he was part of the team that liberated Marawi City. He said that while there, they prayed hard that God will keep them safe as some of their comrades died while others got sick.

Gevero, 31, from Boulevard, Molo and assistant team leader, said that Marawi was his most difficult assignment as support team to the assault group.

“Time may pass but I am proud that there was an Ilonggo who was part of the Marawi history,” he said.

Catequista, 22, from Quezon, Arevalo and the youngest of the three, said that he had no idea that they will be assigned to Marawi. At first he was nervous because he didn’t know what awaits them in their Mindanao assignment. They were assigned within the Dansalan College area.

“I was happy that we came home alive,” he said.

Catequista’s aunt Diana Dumagat, 43, said that she is “proud’ of her nephew. She was the first person whom Catequista called upon knowing of his Marawi assignment.

In addition to the Mayor’s Citation, they also received PHP5,000 cash incentive each.