Malacañang honored the 58 soldiers and policemen who died fighting extremists in Marawi City in the afternoon broadcast of all local TV and radio stations on Independence Day.
The names of the fallen government troops were flashed on TV and read over the radio at 12 p.m. A high noon salute was also dedicated to the civilians who lost their lives in the conflict.
“Today, as the nation observes Independence Day, we will pay homage to the fallen soldiers of Marawi,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.
“The names of our brave soldiers who died fighting in Marawi City will be flashed on TV and read over the radio, with the sound of taps, at 12 noon as a tribute to their heroism for making the ultimate sacrifice for the flag and the country we dearly love,” Abella said.
“We would likewise remember all the innocent victims who perished as a result of rebel atrocities committed,” Abella added.
Abella urged the public to honor the “heroes and civilians and pray for them and the families they left behind.”
The Armed Forces said that after the high noon tribute, they will fly the Philippine flag in half-mast in all military camps.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines will fly at half-mast the Philippine flag in all military camps after the high noon tribute to our heroes and innocent victims as a symbol of respect and mourning to our fallen men and the civilians who died,” the AFP said. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
