Fallen Marawi heroes remembered on 2nd anniversary of siege

Loved ones of the fallen Marawi heroes were also present. (File photo: Philippine Army/Facebook)

The brave souls who risked their lives defending our land and flag during the Marawi siege were honored on Thursday, May 23.

On the second anniversary of the five-month-long battle, the Philippine Army (PA) said in its press release that active and retired Marawi commanders, personnel involved in the Marawi campaign, civilian employees, and dependents of fallen Marawi soldiers remembered the fallen government forces in a holy mass and wreath-laying ceremony held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Loved ones of the fallen Marawi heroes were also present.

“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,” former Joint Task Force Marawi commander and now Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito Baustista said in his speech where he also asked all uniformed personnel to give a salute to the fallen soldiers.

Following the ceremony, soldiers and the families of their fallen comrades shared a picnic where they exchanged stories of the mission and the sacrifices of those who died during the battle.

“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,” Army Commanding General, Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto said.

“It is only fitting that we remember their bravery such that future generations can look back and see what sacrifice and patriotism truly mean,” he added.

The conflict started when Islamic State (ISIS)-inspired Maute Group laid siege in Marawi City on May 23, 2017, which subsequently prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao.

The battle, which claimed the lives of hundreds of government forces as well as some civilians, also resulted to the displacement of thousands of Marawi residents.

The Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) earlier said they will start allowing displaced residents to return to their homes beginning July for repair works.