The Senate adopted a resolution filed by Senator Dick Gordon honoring the gallantry and heroism of the men and women who fought in Marawi City against members of the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group who tried to take over the city last year.
“Resolved by the Senate, as it is hereby resolved, that the Senate of the Philippines recognize and honor the gallantry, bravery, sacrifice, and heroism of the men and women in uniform under Joint Task Force (JTF) Marawi, especially those killed or wounded, designating them “Heroes of Marawi,” Gordon’s Senate Resolution No. 746 said.
The veteran legislator pointed out that Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution states that “the Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.” The seasoned lawmaker added that terrorism knows no boundaries as it can thrive anywhere across the globe.
The senator from Olongapo and Zambales also noted that the Marawi crisis, being the first urban warfare fought on Philippine soil, tested the capabilities and willpower of army leaders and personnel and set a new trajectory for how the Army will overcome terrorism in the Philippines.
Hence, Gordon stressed that it is time to review and learn from the lessons of the past so that we can be better prepared for the future and to remember the brave, valiant, and gallant soldiers for their heroic task that prevented the takeover of a part of the Philippine territory and sovereignty by ISIS-affiliated militants
“Whereas, while we honor those killed in action, let us also not forget the wounded in action, who may not be able to return to a useful life, and the selfless volunteers who did what they could, in service of country, without seeking favor or remuneration from the government,” he pointed out, however.
“Whereas, the supreme sacrifice of our soldiers and police officers should not be forgotten and deserve the highest commendation,” Gordon added in the resolution co-authored by Senator Migz Zubiri.
Adopted Senate Resolution No. 109 entitled, “Resolution recognizing and honoring the gallantry, bravery, sacrifice, and heroism of the men and women in uniform under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Marawi, especially those killed or wounded, by designating them “heroes of Marawi” was sponsored by the body.
165 troops died and 1,767 others were wounded in the Marawi crisis.
On May 23, 2017, members of Islamic State-inspired Maute group, who occupied the Amai Pakpak Hospital and raised a black flag with an ISIS logo in front of the hospital, clashed with government forces. This prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to place the entire Mindanao under martial law through Proclamation No. 216. On October 17, 2017 or 148 days later, Marawi City was liberated from ISIS-affiliated militants, leaving 165 troops killed and 1,767 others wounded.