Slain Marine in Marawi conflict laid to rest at Libingan ng mga Bayani

The remains of 1st Lieutenant John Frederick Savellano, one of the 13 Marines killed in the battle against terrorist Maute group in Marawi City, have been laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

A report by GMA News' Victoria Tulad on Balitanghali said that Savellano's family and friends paid tribute to the slain soldier for the last time during a mass held before his burial.

The report said that instead of condolences, the serviceman's family — overwhelmed with pride over their son's bravery — took delight in sympathizers offering their "congratulations."

"Kaya namin sinabi na congratulations kasi 'yung first two days, three days talagang malungkot kami. Then suddenly... pagdating nga mga makikiramay... may nakukuwan kami na tinatawag siyang hero," Freddie Savellano, the father of the slain soldier.

Savellano, before his death, lead the recovery of P79-million worth of cash and checks from a Maute group stronghold.

Before he became a soldier, Savellano worked as a nurse but his desire to serve in the military prevailed as he later on joined the Philippine Marines.

"Nasa puso talaga niya nag pagiging sundalo. Actually, sinasabi niya 'yung pagiging Marine officer niya is [a] 'calling' parang ano ba sa religiuos calling ng God," Lt. Jr. Grade Mark Anthony Martinez said.

Before the mass ended, Savellano's family, friends, and colleagues honored him with a prolonged applause.

"Jeff mami-miss ka ng mama sobrang-sobra," Mercy Savellano, the soldier's mother, said.

"We are praying for our soldiers na sana malampasan nila... na sana kami na lang ang pinakahuling magdurusa ng sakit kasi kawawa rin sila. Kawawa ang pamilya nila," Savellano's father said.

According to the public affairs office of the Philippine Marines, Savellano will be given a 21-gun salute.

Earlier, Corporal Reymund Paracuelles of the Philippine Army, also one of those slain in the battle in Marawi, was also buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, the report said. — John Ted Cordero/MDM, GMA News