Galvez: Let us never forget Marawi
KAMPO RANAO, Marawi City — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr. led the commemoration of the Marawi City Liberation held in Kampo Ranao, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday, October 17.
“Today marks the first year of liberation of Marawi City from the siege that had destroyed a beautiful city and ruined the lives and dreams of many of our beloved countrymen,” Galvez said in his speech.
“It has also been a year since we have finally won the peace that we all have valiantly fought for with all our hearts, our blood, our sweat, and our tears,” he added.
After the wreath-laying ceremony at the Heroes’ Wall, the AFP Chief, assisted by Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, Commander of the Army’s First Infantry Division; Brig. Gen. Ramiro Manuel Rey, Commander of Joint Task Force Ranao, and Brig. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Commander of the 103rd Brigade, awarded medals to seven officers and 10 enlisted personnel from the 103rd Brigade.
They were given gold cross, military merit, and bronze cross medals for their exemplary sacrifices during the siege.
“One year ago, we showed the world our bravery. Every terrorist fighter lured to Marawi by false promises and the extremist ideology of hate saw our bravery and felt our wrath,” Galvez said.
“They continue to see our fearlessness as we stand watch over our country, ever vigilant against the resurgence of terror on our shores,” he added.
The AFP Chief recalled his experiences as the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) when the siege took place. He repeatedly gave honor to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the city.
“Let us ensure that their heroisms are not in vain. Beyond our bravery, beyond our honor, beyond our strength, we showed the world what our nation – united in a common cause – is truly capable of. Now more than ever, we must continue to stand firm and stand united,” Galvez said.
The AFP Chief said that the Filipino people should remain steadfast and united in a common cause to root out all forms of violent extremism and terrorism.
END IT “Let the heroes of Marawi inspire us all to achieve total victory over violent extremism and terrorism. Let their sacrifices remind us of the true value of our freedom. Let us never forget Marawi,” Galvez concluded.
Also present during the commemoration were the former Marawi Commanders Lt. Gen. Danilo Pamonag (JTF TRIDENT); Brig. Gen. Melquiades Ordiales (JTG TIGER); Brig. Gen. Corleto Vinluan (JTG Vector); Brig. Gen. Ramiro Rey (JTG Ranao); Police Chiet Supt. Rolly Anduyan (JTG Parak); and Col. Enriquez (JTG Bakal).
Father Chito Suganob, Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra and Assemblyman Zia Alonto also joined the activity at Camp Ranao, Marawi City. (Francis T. Wakefield)