Troops pull out of Marawi for much-needed break, training for next mission
The military has started to pull out some soldiers from Marawi City following President Duterte’s declaration of the liberation of the war-torn place from terrorist influence.
Armed Forces spokesman Major Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. said the 1st Infantry Battalion (1st IB) has been sent off for their “much-needed break” and eventual training for their next assignment after an almost five-month tour of duty in Marawi.
The military unit, led by Lt. Col. Christopher Tampus, has received
the Silver Cross Medal and a Command Plaque from the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) for the safe rescue of 34 hostages, according to Padilla. It was one of the first military teams deployed to Marawi following the deadly siege of Islamic State (IS)-linked militants last May.
“As we see the endgame of the armed hostilities inside Marawi, we will be shifting our forces to other areas for their required training and for their scheduled battalion or unit activities,” Padilla said during a Palace news conference.
“They will also be going back to Luzon for a much-needed break and for their long-delayed training in Fort Magsaysay and in other camps of the Philippine Army to enhance their skills and prepare them for their next mission,” he added.
He said the 1st IB would be replaced by another unit of the Joint Task Group Ranao under Brigadier General Rami Rey.
More soldiers are also expected to be pulled out from Marawi for another assignment.
“There will be other units that will be leaving Marawi after the 1st Infantry Battalion, and the basis for their departure from Marawi will be, as I mentioned earlier, if you came in first, you will be the first to leave,” Padilla said.
“And most of this will be dependent also in the key sector or areas in Marawi that they are holding. If these are relatively safe, then we will free up our units to depart,” he added.
Padilla, meantime, assured that the pullout of some soldiers does not mean the military was compromising the security of Marawi City.
“We are actually leaving other units to ensure the continuity of security coverage even during the process of the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and rebuilding of Marawi,” he said. Job well done Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez Jr., WestMinCom commander, also awarded the 1st IB the Command plaque.
In his message to the troops, Galvez said: “Maintain the highest dignity of a soldier. As much as we want to have you here, we need to let you go. Our oath is to serve the people and maintain the integrity of our country.”
Tampus also rendered a completeness report to the WestMinCom commander and Major General Danilo Pamonag, commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi.
“I laud the men and women of the 1st Infantry Battalion for their dedicated service and for being here at the onset of the Marawi siege. My gratitude to you for a job well done,” said Pamonag.
A showdown inspection was also conducted during the said ceremony.
1st IB is set to travel back to Luzon islands for an impending unit enhancement training.
“Thank you for your dedicated service,” said Lt. Gen Galvez Jr. to the troops of the “Always First” Battalion while they were in formation on a drizzling morning in Marawi.
“I am so proud of you,” the WestMinCom Chief added.
Marawi liberation The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is hoping to fully clear Marawi City of the remaining terrorists within the next two days.
Padilla said the full liberation of Marawi is possible within the next few days given the recent positive developments on the ground.
“With the number of hostages that has been rescued in the last 24 hours, we look forward to getting the rest of the hostages that still remain and addressing the armed threat that still exists," he said during the Mindanao Hour/Bangon Marawi press briefing Friday.
“And we are praying that this be today or the following day. We are giving it our best and we’re doing all that we can so that we can end these hostilities in this part of Marawi,” he added.
According to Padilla, there still are about half-a-hectare of conflict area remaining and few more buildings left to be cleared.
Based on the recent record of the AFP, the number of enemies killed now stands at 897 while the number of civilians killed remain at 47 and the rescued civilians is now at 1,777.
However, Padilla noted that a soldier was killed during one of the assaults in the remaining areas where stragglers are still holed up.
Martial law
Padilla said martial law is still needed in Mindanao so they can fully address the threat of terrorism in Mindanao.
President Duterte had earlier said that martial law in Mindanao will not be lifted until the last terrorist is taken out.
Padilla said that for now, they are working on the timeline provided to them, which is until December 31, 2017, or the last day of the martial law extension granted by Congress.
“Ang gagawin natin diyan (What we will be doing with that) is address the remaining networks. We're very appreciative of the declaration of the President because we really need it to address the threats, particularly in Mindanao,” he added.
According to Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella, the deaths of Hapilon, Maute and Ahmad do not automatically result in the lifting of martial law.
“There are remnants, including networks supporting the Maute cause within Mindanao. The President is duty-bound not to compromise public safety,” Abella said during the same press briefing.
According to the Palace official, Duterte will confer with the members of his Cabinet on the necessary action to be taken.
Padilla also said that residents of Marawi City are still not allowed inside the war-torn city as there are still remnants of the terrorist groups and some ordnance to be cleared.