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Marawi liberation remembered on 5th anniversary
The fifth anniversary of the liberation of Marawi City from terrorists was commemorated on Monday, October 17, starting with a wreath laying ceremony at the Marawi Pylon at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
The ceremony was led by Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., according to a report by Darlene Cay on GMA News' Unang Balita.
The military host was Philippine Army Inspector General Major General Jose Eriel Niembra.
It was on October 17, 2017 when then President Rodrigo Duterte declared that Marawi City has been freed from the Islamic State-inspired Maute group after a five-month siege.
At Monday's ceremony, a group of Marawi liberators also offered flowers.
In a speech, Galvez said the ceremony is a way to remember, honor, and thank the 169 government forces who were killed and the 1,800 government troops who were injured during the battle of Marawi City.
Galvez also said the rehabilitation of Marawi City is ongoing, with roads, bridges and other infrastructure continuously being constructed.
He said the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity’s (OPAPRU) has programs for the surviving relatives of the slain government forces and for residents to help them in the healing process.
Former Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, who was the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at the time of the Marawi siege, was also present at the ceremony, as was former Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista who was then commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi.
A representative of GMA Kapuso Foundation was also present at Monday's ceremony. The foundation is putting up four schools in Marawi City to help in its rehabilitation. —KG, GMA News
