FIFTEEN soldiers fighting against the Maute Terror Group in Marawi City were promoted to a next rank higher, a top military official announced.

Promoted were Technical Sergeant Erlindo M. Agraviador, Staff Sergeant Musappa A. Abdurajan, Sergeant Pindatun M. Asaali, Sergeant Emmanuel S. Arpon, Corporal Bensar S. Alih, Corporal Jonathan Sagap, Corporal Richard D. Laguna, Corporal Julito A. Alpanta, Corporal Frederick M. Ybanez, Corporal Eldrin P Siano, Corporal JoJo G. Anlas, Corporal Joel P. Logronio, Corporal Melvasfar S. Ampo, Corporal Jonathan A. Maghinay, and Corporal Zurin V. Matchete.

Major General Rolando Joselito Bautista, Joint Task Force Marawi commander, said the promoted soldiers belong to the Army’s 10 Infantry Battalion headed by Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Severo.

Bautista, who is also the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, pinned the ranks to the promoted soldiers in a donning of ranks ceremony held on Wednesday inside the main battle area in the village of Mapandi, Marawi City.

“The donning of ranks recognizes our troops for their selfless service to the people of Marawi. We will sustain the high morale of our troops who are engaging the terrorists to restore peace,” Bautista said.

“In this final stage of enemy assaults, we will eventually win the war against terrorism in Marawi City,” he said.

Severo said the promotions heighten the moral of the troops as they fight for peace in the city.

The donning of ranks ceremony was held a day after President Rodrigo Duterte promoted Bautista to major general.

Duterte pinned the second star to Bautista when the latter visited the main battle area in Marawi City on Thursday.

The fighting broke out when Maute group members went berserk and occupied several establishments after government forces raided the hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.

The Maute group is protecting Hapilon, who pledged allegiance to the Isis.