Army commemorates 5th anniversary of Marawi liberation

The Philippine Army (PA) has prepared a series of activities to mark the fifth anniversary of Marawi City's liberation from the ISIS-inspired Maute Group.
 
Exhibits and documentaries are open to the public from October 15 to 16.
 
“Philippine Army major units that played crucial roles in liberating Marawi will mount an exhibit immortalizing their dedication to [defeating] the ISIS-inspired terrorists,” the Army said in a statement.
 
"The five-month-long Marawi campaign will also be showcased as one of the Army's greatest heritages at the PA Museum. Marawi memorabilia, recovered items, and equipment will also be exhibited at the Philippine Army Officers' Pavilion, while Marawi documentaries will be shown at the Philippine Army Officers' Clubhouse," it added.
 
The Civil-Military Operations Regiment, the Lanao del Norte-based 55th Engineer Brigade, the Army Artillery Regiment, Armor Division, Light Reaction Regiment, the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), and the First Scout Ranger Regiment also set up booths at the Hunters ROTC Parade Grounds to highlight their crucial role in the liberation of the city.
 
On October 17, the Army will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at the Marawi Pylon at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani.
 
To cap the commemoration, a fellowship dinner that will gather officers and men who helped liberate Marawi will take place on October 25.
 
"The series of events will immortalize the sacrifices of soldiers and law enforcers in the liberation of Marawi City while simultaneously highlighting the city's journey [to] peace, development, and rehabilitation," said Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr.
 
It was then President Rodrigo Duterte who declared Marawi liberated from terrorist influence on October 17, 2017 after almost five months of fighting that killed over 1,000 people and displaced thousands of residents.
 
The Marcos administration is allocating P1 billion for next year to compensate displaced people and victims who lost their properties during the Marawi siege. Rehabilitation projects are also ongoing. — Sherylin Untalan/VBL, GMA News