Vice-President Leni Robredo on Sunday urged fellow Filipinos to honor the 165 soldiers and police who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Marawi City, as the country heads to the commemoration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2.
“Let’s offer a prayer for our soldiers and countrymen who offered their lives to achieve peace in Marawi. During these times, let’s remember the sacrifice they made for the country – not just them but their families – because of the fight for peace, they sacrificed their lives,” the Vice President said during her weekly radio show over RMN DZXL.
Robredo added that the nation should extend their gratitude to those who made sacrifices not only in the war-torn city of Marawi but also in other parts of the country like Basilan and Sulu, calling on the public to pray for soldiers who are assigned in conflict-torn areas.
At least 165 soldiers and policemen were killed while 47 civilians were slain in the five month-long battle between the government forces and the ISIS-inspired Maute group.
“Let us remember their heroism not only this season but every day as we face these challenging times,” Robredo added.
The Office of the Vice-President (OVP) is preparing to help and extend aid for the rehabilitation of Marawi City through its flagship antipoverty program Angat Buhay.
The OVP team led by the chief of staff, Undersecretary Philip Dy, has met with the officials of Task Force Bangon Marawi and the local government of Marawi City to discuss how the office can contribute in the rehabilitation.
Robredo also underlined the need for coordination and convergence in the rehabilitation of the city.
The OVP said that Robredo has suggested the creation of a “central command that will process assistance from all agencies and organizations, both in the government and the private sector.”