Officer aims blinded soldiers' guns in Marawi, general saves soldier's life

A young officer in Marawi on Monday told of soldiers' dedication to their mission of ridding the city of ISIS-inspired Maute bandits, saying even those who had injured eyes managed to fight off 100 armed men during the early days of the crisis.

According to Raffy Tima's report, Lieutenant Geraldo Alvarez said his group was cornered by the bandits and the latter's reinforcements that came from the Lanao lake.

Alvarez, a candidate for the medal of valor, said they were outnumbered by the bandits who blew up their armored vehicles and took out four of their men.

He said he positioned the rifles of the soldiers whose eyes were injured such that they were aimed at the bandits.

"Gamitin niyo nalang sense of hearing niyo, sabi ko," Alvarez said.

If there were lieutenants on the ground in the beleaguered city, there were also generals.

Brigadier General Alexander Macario is one of three generals in conflict zone in Marawi City.

Aside from leading the offensive, Macario is also credited for saving a soldier's life amid the clashes.

"Laging napagkukwentuhan na mga private, teniente lang ang laging nasa loob. Hindi totoo," Macario said. -Margaret Claire Layug/NB, GMA News