Cordi mourns Marawi heroes

TROOPS ASSURED OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

THE region is mourning the loss of troops stationed in Marawi.

Reports of at least six soldiers and policemen deployed at the battle zones and killed in action have come in with news for the injured still being verified.

National Capital Region Police Office Spokesperson Police Chief Inspector Kimberly Molitas said "What happens to our troops who were Killed In Action or were injured in the Marawi siege is for them to immediately avail of the Presidential Special Fund which is used to provide their basic needs such as medical and funeral assistance, aside from assistance to the immediate families while on process".

Molitas who hails from Kibungan, Benguet noted the gallantry of Cordillera warriors both in the PNP and AFP who gave the ultimate sacrifice in war-torn Marawi.

"Most of our troops

from the PNP and AFP comes from the Cordillera particularly those in the Special Action Force. This really shows the heart of the Cordilleran through our troops but although we mourn for our troops, we also celebrate the lives of our colleagues who sacrificed their lives in the name of peace.”

Based on the latest count, 165 policemen and soldiers killed in action while 1,700 were injured in the 5 month war in Marawi.

Molitas said “Although this is a very hard time for us both in the PNP and AFP, this is the sacrifice we need to do for peace in Marawi.