TAGUIG CITY — The Philippine Army (PA) paid tribute on Saturday, October 17, to the military personnel and support staff who played a vital role in liberating Marawi City from extremist groups in 2017, honoring their enduring legacy as the nation observes the ninth anniversary of the historic siege.
Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Efren F. Morados headed the commemorative rites held at the Marawi Pylon within the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, speaking on behalf of Army Chief Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran.
During the ceremony, Morados honored the heroism and tenacity of the troops who fought through the grueling five-month campaign to reclaim the southern city from ISIS-affiliated terrorists, marking one of the nation’s most formidable modern security tests.
In a message read by Morados, Gumiran reflected on the resilience displayed during the crisis.
“We celebrate the indomitable Filipino spirit, hopeful that it reaches across future generations far into the future, reminding us that, once in the history of this great nation, our people faced a great tragedy; and that in the face of such adversity, Filipinos stood firm, bound by unyielding faith, uncommon courage, and an unwavering refusal to be deprived of their freedom,” Gumiran said.
Beyond frontline combatants, the Army chief extended recognition to support personnel whose efforts proved crucial to the mission. This included teams who handled the repatriation of fallen soldiers and assisted grieving families, logistical units that maintained supply lines, administrative personnel who tackled manpower demands, and medical professionals who cared for injured troops.
“No contribution was too small when the nation was at stake,” Gumiran added.
The remembrance event underscored the ultimate sacrifice given by soldiers and law enforcement officers who perished during the conflict. The urban warfare erupted in May 2017 after militant groups aligned with the Islamic State seized sectors of Marawi City.
State forces engaged the extremists for five months before the government officially declared the city liberated in October of that same year, though the battle left widespread destruction and displaced a multitude of local residents.