THE Filipino nation on Monday saluted soldiers and civilians killed in the clash between government forces and Islamic State (IS)-inspired terrorists in Marawi City as the country marked the 119th anniversary of its independence.
TV networks and radio stations aired the salute at 12 noon. Taps were sounded, church bells were tolled and car horns honked as the fallen soldiers’ names were read and their photos flashed on TV screens.
These soldiers, in the words of US President Abraham Lincoln, “have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”
u2022••
Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman, said they also made sure the civilians who perished in the Marawi clash were given the proper honor.
A total of 58 soldiers have been killed in skirmishes with Maute and Abu Sayyaf gunmen in the Marawi seige.
The military said 20 civilians and 138 terrorists have been killed in the fighting.
u2022••
Sen. Sonny Angara has urged the immediate passage of measures granting special financial assistance and benefits to families of security forces killed in action and troops permanently incapacitated after sustaining injury in battle.
Among the benefits are six months’ salary, including allowances and bonuses.
We honor them as heroes. Making their families feel proud of their gallantry in battle simply isn’t enough.
u2022••
Even before the terrorists were completely flushed out of Marawi City, the military said the Maute group had planned to occupy Iligan City and “kill as many non-Muslims as they can to show to the world that there already is an existing ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) caliphate in the Philippines.”
This revelation prompted Iligan City Mayor Celso Regencia to call on gun owners to defend their city.“My call to licensed gun owners, clean your weapons and get your ammunition,” Regencia said.
Would this spark the beginning of the Armed Civilians of the Philippines?