Duterte also visits wake of Marines killed in Fort Bonifacio
(Eagle News) — Straight from his visit in Cagayan de Oro City to the wounded in action government troopers in the Marawi fighting, President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, June 11 flew to the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City where he led the arrival honors for the eight of the 13 soldiers killed in hours-long gunbattle between government forces and Maute militants in Marawi City on Friday, June 9.
President Duterte arrived at the Air Base grandstand around 7:50 p.m. Sunday where he personally extended his condolences to the families of the slain soldiers.
The bodies of the slain Marines were flown to Manila from Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday afternoon.
Before his arrival at the Villamor Air Base Sunday night, Duterte in Cagayan de Oro City vowed that the government forces would win the fight and will reclaim the whole of Marawi City.
“Sa gobyerno tayo, hindi tayo matalo. Not in a million years na matumba tayo,” Duterte said in his speech pledging full support for the military in crushing the extremist groups who have been wreaking havoc in Lanao del Sur.
He issued the statement during his visit to the 4th Infantry Division of the Army at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City, where he honored the wounded soldiers who have fought in the beleaguered city.
Upon the arrival of the President on Sunday night in Villamor Air Base, the metal caskets covered with the Philippine flag, were carried by soldiers out of the C-130 plane and were placed on high-lift ramps in front of the grandstand.
The slain soldiers were accorded arrival honors. The President then approached each family member to express his sympathies and condolences.
The eight Marines who were honored were First Lieutenant Raymond M. Abad, First Lieutenant John Frederick S. Savellano, Staff Sergeant. Joven Q. Triston, Sergeant Simeon I. Plares, Corporal Rolan H. Sumagpang, Private First Class Marvin Russel D. Gomez, Private Bernie Jhon B. Lunas, and Private First Class Gener C. Tinangag.
The President extended financial assistance to the families of the fallen soldiers.
Duterte then proceeded to the Marines headquarters in Fort Bonifacio to visit the wake of another two soldiers who were also killed in action in Marawi.
The two were Corporal Romula Garcia and Private First Class Eddie Cardona Jr. whose remains lie in state at the Acero Hall inside the Philippine Marine Headquaters.
The President’s last stop was at the Libingan ng mga Bayani where he paid his last respects to Corporal Reymond Paracuelles, who was killed on June 9 during a firefight with members of Maute group.
Malacanang said it was “deeply saddened” with the latest casualties from the Marines that brought to 58 the number of government troopers killed in the fighting in Marawi City.
“The Palace is deeply saddened by the news on the 13 Marines killed in action during a firefight in Marawi City. They fought gallantly for the liberation of our Maranao brothers and sisters,” said a statement from Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella.
“This incident, albeit unfortunate, gives us greater impetus to clear Marawi of lawless elements, save the trapped civilians, and restore order, security and normalcy to the city and its residents,” the statement read.
“Let us continue showing our strong support to our courageous and heroic men and women in uniform fighting for Marawi and defending the Republic,” he said.
Before he flew to Villamor Air Base, President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, June 11, expressed confidence that the PhilippinegGovernment will emerge victorious in the ongoing siege in Marawi City.
(Eagle News Service with reports from Presidential Communications office)