After leading arrival honors on June 11 for the members of the Philippine Marines killed in action in Marawi City, President Rodrigo Duterte then proceeded to the Marines headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City 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 mortuary where he paid his last respects to Corporal Reymond Paracuelles, who was killed on June 9 during a firefight with members of Maute group.
Duterte condoled with the families of the soldiers.
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.