Soldiers, policemen receive awards for role in Marawi

Soldiers and policemen, who were on the front line during the five-month offensives against Daesh-inspired fighters in Marawi City, were awarded by the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) chief over the weekend.

Last October 21, 18 personnel of the 2nd and 3rd Scout Ranger Battalions and the Joint Task Group Bakal were accorded the Gold Cross Medal by AFP Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez Jr.

The soldiers were recognized for their conspicuous gallantry in action, courage, dedication, and commitment during the conduct of the close-quarter battle with more or less 1,000 members of the Maute-Abu Sayyaf Group-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria for almost five months in Marawi City.

On Sunday, five soldiers of the 10th Infantry Battalion and the Joint Task Group Vector were awarded the Gold Cross Medals. The same award was also given to Police Senior Inspector Seth Mark Alob and Police Officer 3 Isah Sangcad of the PNP.

Police Superintendent Rolando Anduyan and Police Superintendent Danilo Bacas received the Silver Cross Medal from Galvez for meritorious and valuable achievement rendered while serving as Joint Task Group PNP commander and asst. commander, who led the numerous accomplishments of the PNP during the Marawi crisis.

The command plaque was awarded to Brig. Gen. Vinluan, commander of the Joint Task Force Vector; Anduyan, commander of the Joint Task Group, and Brig. Gen. Felicisimo Budiongan, commander of the JTG Bakal, and other battalion commanders for their sterling leadership while leading their troops during the battle.

The five-month stand-off yielded to the neutralization of more than 900 terrorists, the rescue of 1,780 hostages, and recovery of more than 800 high-powered firearms and almost 2,000 unexploded ordnances, improvised explosive devices and booby traps of the terrorists.

“Congratulations, Marawi troopers, for making the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Filipinos proud. Your commitment and gallantry liberated the City of Marawi and the Maranaos from terrorism,” Galvez said.

“I thank you for your service and sacrifices. I am so proud of you all,” he added.