VIDEO SHOWS FALLEN SOLDIERS, COPS IN MARAWI ATTACK

A government video showing the names and photographs of soldiers and policemen who died fighting in Marawi City, with the sound of taps in the background, was aired on national television at 12 p.m. yesterday. “Today, as the nation observes Independence Day, we will pay homage to the fallen soldiers of Marawi. The names of brave soldiers who died fighting in Marawi City will be flashed on TV and read over the radio, with the sound of taps, at 12 noon as a tribute to their heroism for making the ultimate sacrifice for the flag and the country we dearly love,” Palace spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

A government video showing the names and photos of soldiers and policemen who died fighting in Marawi City, with the sound of Taps in the background, was played on national television and the names read over the radio at 12 p.m. yesterday as a tribute to the fallen soldiers.

As of Sunday, 58 men have been killed in battle in Marawi. The death toll also includes 138 Muslim militants and 20 civilians.

“Today, as the nation observes Independence Day, we will pay homage to the fallen soldiers of Marawi. The names of brave soldiers who died fighting in Marawi City will be flashed on TV and read over the radio, with the sound of taps, at 12 noon as a tribute to their heroism for making the ultimate sacrifice for the flag and the country we dearly love,” Abella said.

“We enjoin the public to honor these heroes and civilians and pray for them and the families they left behind,” he added.

Abella said the Palace had requested television networks and radio station to air the salute as the country observes the 119th anniversary of Philippine independence.

The battle in Marawi erupted on May 23 after government troops raided the hideout of Isnilon Hapilon, a Muslim militant who has pledged allegiance to international terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Hapilon and his followers, aided by the Maute Group, resisted and engaged the soldiers in battle. Hapilon has not been located.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it was still verifying reports on the militant leader's whereabouts.

The ongoing clashes, which has destroyed a large part of Marawi, prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to place the entire Mindanao under martial law for 60 days.

The declaration is being questioned before the Supreme Court by three groups.

Government had targeted to end the fighting in Marawi yesterday and raised the Philippine flag at the center of the city. As of 4 p.m. yesterday, however, the government has not declared that Marawi has been liberated of the Maute fighters.

The death toll on the government's side rose to 58 after 13 Marines died in a gun battle with the militants in Lilot Mandaya village in Marawi on June 9.

The remains of eight of the 13 Marines were flown to the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Metro Manila Sunday, with Duterte leading the arrival honors.

Duterte arrived at the Air Base grandstand around 7:50 p.m. where he condoled with the fam- ilies of the slain soldiers.

The metal caskets, each covered with the Philippine flag, were carried by soldiers out of the C-130 plane and placed on high-lift ramps in front of the grandstand.

The slain soldiers were accorded arrival honors.

The President then approached each family member to express his sympathies and condolences.

The eight Marines who were honored were First Lieutenant Raymond M. Abad, First Lieutenant John Frederick S. Savellano, Staff Sergeant Joven Q. Triston, Sergeant Simeon I. Plares, Corporal Rolan H. Sumagpang, Private First Class Marvin Russel D. Gomez, Private Bernie Jhon B. Lunas, and Private First Class Gener C. Tinangag.

The President also extended financial assistance to the families of the fallen soldiers.

He then proceeded to the Marines headquarters in Fort Bonifacio to visit the wake of Corporal Romula Garcia and Private First Class Eddie Cardona Jr., both of whom were also killed in action in Marawi.

The President's last stop was at the Libingan ng mga Bayani where he paid his last respects to Corporal Reymond Paracuelles, who was killed on June 9 during a firefight with members of the Maute Group.