Marawi heroes given military's highest honor

The soldiers who engaged the ISIS-inspired Maute Group in months-long armed encounter in Marawi City were given the highest military honor for their gallantry and leadership.

First Lieutenant George Galzote led his team, the Marine Battalion Landing Team 10, that entered Building 165, which was the hideout of most of the members of the local terrorist group.

The operation, because of the terrorist group's fortification, took two days to accomplish.

"'Yung pagtawid namin, dalawa agad. Tapos nung nakatawid na, may IED (improvised explosive device) ulit, dalawa ulit," Galzote recalled in Chino Gaston's report on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on Monday.

"'Yung second attempt namin, one KIA (killed in action). 'Yun 'yung first blood ng company ko noon," he continued.

Corporal Gerald Genito, on the other hand, led his team to take over Building 225, which was also occupied by the terrorists. The building is located hundreds of meters from Mapandi Bridge.

Genito was shot at the back during the armed encounter with Maute group members.

Genito will also be given a Gold Cross medal for his bravery and leadership.

"Lahat naman Sir deserving Sir eh... Dahil lahat naman kami hindi naman namin kaya 'yun kung mag-isa lang," Genito said.

The Gold Cross is the fourth highest military honor given to soldiers.

Galzote and Genito were part of the government troop that fought the ISIS-inspired Maute group that attacked Marawi City. The said attack was the basis for President Rodrigo Duterte to declare the entire Mindanao island under martial rule.

During the months-long armed encounter, more than 160 government troops were killed while more than 500 were wounded during the five-month battle in Marawi City. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BAP, GMA News