FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – A pinning of ranks ceremony was rendered to 641 soldiers because of their contribution during the fight to liberate Marawi in 2017 at the Headquarters Philippine Army Grandstand on May 21, 2018.
Out of the 641 promoted enlisted personnel, 36 are ranked Master Sergeants, 98 are Technical Sergeants, 103 are Staff Sergeants, 193 are Sergeants, and 211 are Corporals. The number of promotee recognized today is just part of the large promotion of 4,252 soldiers this year. They will be promoted for their contribution in the fight to liberate Marawi.
During the donning of ranks, the said soldiers were given honor and recognition for their sacrifices during the government’s campaign to free Marawi from the ISIS-inspired Maute Terrorist Group.
The battle to liberate Marawi started on March 23, 2017 and ended in October 17, 2017. A total of 165 soldiers and cops sacrificed their lives during the hard fought urban battle. While a total of 1,465 Army soldiers were wounded in action.
“To our Marawi troops, I know the countless challenges that you have grappled with day in, day out while you were in Marawi, including the uncertainty of returning home safe from deployment to be in the arms of your families again. I admire your courage for having fought with such challenges while you also endure and fought the physical war. The valor and resilience that you have displayed present the finest values of the military and the Filipino people,” said Under Secretary of National Defense Cardozo M. Luna, the Guest of Honor during the event.
“You put your lives on the line and you did not fail your country all in the name of service. Ako’y umaasa na kapag dumating man muli ang pagkakataong kakailanganin n gating bansa ang inyong tulong, sana’y hindi kayo mag aalinlangang o magaatubiling muling ibigay ang lahat kahit ang inyong buhay para sa bayan,” said Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, Commanding General Philippine Army.#