Duterte urges Filipinos to remember Marawi heroes this Christmas season

Duterte urges Filipinos to remember Marawi heroes this Christmas season. (PCOO PHOTO)

President Rodrigo Duterte has urged Filipinos to remember their fellowmen who have given their lives fighting for the nation.

In his Christmas message on Thursday, the President called on the public to keep in mind during this Christmas season the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to liberate Marawi City from armed groups who sought to carve their own territory.

“As we celebrate the year’s most festive and joyful season, I would like to greet all my fellow Filipinos a very Merry Christmas. And in the midst of all merriment, let us pause and remember our countrymen who lost their lives fighting the integrity of our country,” the President said.

He also urged Filipinos not to forget the residents of the war-torn city “who lost their homes and loved ones in the recent war” and “those who are far from their families and those who are not fortunate and as blessed as most of us.”

The battle in Marawi, considered to the Philippine army’s longest and bloodiest clash since World War II, left about 600,000 residents displaced.

After five months of intense fighting, the siege left more than 1,000 people dead, including 165 government troops, over 900 terrorists, and 47 civilians, according to a military report.

Duterte also called on his countrymen to be compassionate to others, and hopes that the soldiers and civilians would be included in “our supplications” during the Yuletide season.

“As always, I wish a progressive and peaceful country and the prosperity of our countrymen. Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa ating lahat, (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all)” he said.