MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine flag was flown at half-mast in every part of the country and in military camps nationwide starting Monday, Independence Day, to honor the heroism of 13 Marines, who were killed in their clashes with Maute and Abu Sayyaf militants in Marawi City last Friday.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said this would also serve as “tribute to our heroes and innocent victims” and “as a symbol of respect and mourning to our fallen men and the civilians who died,” in the war in the Lanao del Sur capital.
“All other agencies and offices of the government will have their flags displayed at half-mast starting tomorrow, June 13, the first working day of the week,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.
“We ask all Filipinos of all faiths and ethnic groups to say a short prayer for our heroes and innocent victims who perished, for the soldiers and the civilians who are still in the battlefield, and for peace and unity for the Philippines,” he added.
Huge loss explained
On Sunday, President Rodrigo Duterte led the arrival honors at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City for eight of the 13 killed soldiers. He also approached the fatalities’ relatives to express his sympathies and condolences and extended financial assistance.
The eight Marines 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
-Private First Class Gener C. Tinangag
The military explained how they had incurred such a huge loss despite saying the Marawi siege would soon be over.
During a press conference in Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday, Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr. said the situation in the war-torn city was “very fluid” and the government forces were at a disadvantage by the bridge separating the bulk of the soldiers and the reinforced buildings where the terrorists had taken up positions, heaping deadly sniper fire on the troops.
The PNP could reinforce the soldiers, said Galvez, but “other forces [that can] reinforce . . . will have to cross the bridge exposed.”
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesperson of Joint Task Force Marawi, explained that government troops, including the 13 Marines, on Friday advanced to the enemies’ lair in Barangay Lilot Madaya where they met about 30 militants, who became very aggressive and used residents as human shields. The fight lasted for 14 hours.
“They are using the mosque and people as human shield kaya nahirapan ang tropa kasi primary concern natin ang welfare ng mga tao,” said Herrera.
Padilla on Sunday said respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights (HR) were the reasons why there was heavy casualty in the AFP side in the ongoing operations to clear Marawi of the remaining Maute Group terrorists.
“Our losses are because we put premium on saving more civilian lives and complete respect for IHL/HR,” said Padilla.
Speaking to reporters after visiting wounded troops in Cagayan de Oro, Duterte shared the military’s confidence that the crisis spawned by the siege of Marawi City that began May 23 would be over soon.
“Itong mga Marines matatapang ito. Kinatatakutan. Lahat ng sundalo, we are brave enough to fight a new one [war],” the President said.
On Monday, the Office of the President said it “is deeply saddened by the news on the 13 Marines killed in action.”
“They fought gallantly for the liberation of our Maranao brothers and sisters. This incident, albeit unfortunate, gives us greater impetus to clear Marawi of lawless elements, save the trapped civilians, and restore order, security and normalcy to the city and its residents,” said presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella in a statement.
“Let us continue showing our strong support to our courageous and heroic men and women in uniform fighting for Marawi and defending the Republic,” he added.
The clashes in Marawi, which started on May 23, have resulted so far in the confirmed death of 58 government troops, including the 13 Marines, and the injury of 120 others.
The death toll among Maute rebels is placed at 191.
