SOME 61 soldiers who were wounded during the five-month Marawi conflict in 2017 are still undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the military hospital.
The soldiers, including one whose both legs were amputated, occupy the Heroes Ward at V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City, according to Colonel Noel Detoyato, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Office.
“Yung mga naiwan dyan malala ‘yung mga naging tama gaya ng nasabugan ng IEDs (Improvised Explosives Devices), nabagsakan ng malalaking debris na ang mga natamo nila ay kailangan ng mahabang gamutan and rehabilitation procedure,” said Detoyato.
(Those still in the hospital were seriously wounded. They are still undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.)
On Monday, AFP Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr. visited the wounded soldiers at the V. Luna and encouraged them not to lose hope and to continue serving the country.
Galvez and his wife Marissa, gave P5,000 financial assistance to each of soldier at the Heroes Ward.
“Magpagaling ka ha, salamat sa iyong serbisyo at sakripisyo (Get well soon. Thank you for your service and sacrifice),” Galvez told his men.
Galvez was the highest commander deployed in Marawi during the armed conflict from May 23 to October 23, 2017.
He said he personally witnessed the struggles of the soldiers during the battle.
“I recognize their exemplary courage in different combat operations, most especially those who fought for the liberation of Marawi City from Maute-IS terrorists,” he said.
“I will make sure that they receive all the support that they need while recovering,” he added.
A total of 161 soldiers were killed during the Marawi siege while 1,548 others were wounded.
Detoyato said the hospital expenses of the soldiers are shouldered by the government. The soldiers continue to receive their monthly allowances while undergoing treatment.
He said for those who will no longer be able to do field work due to their condition will be trained to serve as military office personnel.
“Pwede silang turuan mag-computer para sila ay maging admin staff or pwede rin silang turuan mag-photography. Ito ay para mabigyan pa rin sila ng oportunidad na makapagtrabaho at makapaglingkod sa bayan,” he said.
(They may be trained as administrative staff. They will still be given an opportunity to work and serve the country.)
Meanwhile, Detoyato said the AFP has already given the complete compensation package for the bereaved families of the fallen soldiers.
He said the families received cash amounting to P1.5 million on top of other benefits which includes P100,000 burial allowance, pension for spouse and children or parents, scholarship for the children or other declared beneficiaries such as sibling, housing renumeration and Philhealth worth P12,400 per year.
All 641 Philippine Army personnel who survived the conflict were promoted to the next rank -- 36 ranked master sergeants, 98 technical sergeants, 103 staff sergeants, 193 sergeants and 211 corporals.
“Ako’y umaasa na kapag dumating man muli ang pagkakataong kakailanganin ng ating bansa ang inyong tulong, sana’y hindi kayo mag-aalinlangang o mag-aatubiling muling ibigay ang lahat kahit ang inyong buhay para sa bayan," Army commanding general Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito Bautista.
Over 4,000 soldiers fought the Maute terror group in Marawi City from May 23 to October 23, 2017.
Fighting broke out on May 23, when the Islamic militants took several hostages as human shield, occupied various establishments and engaged government forces in gunfights.
The city was nearly flattened as the military launched air and ground offensives against the Islamic fighters. (SunStar Philippines)