The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is observing Day of Silence and Prayer Sunday until early Monday in honor of government security forces and civilians who died in the fighting in Marawi City.
“Our men served with honor and we ask you to join us in prayer for the repose of their souls, strength for the bereaved families in this moment of grief and for peace in our land,” said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla.
As of Saturday, the military reported that 58 soldiers and policemen have been killed in trying to liberate Marawi City from the terrorists, who also executed 20 civilians since May 23.
Thirteen of the recent AFP losses were Marine troopers, who were killed in a major engagement between Marine units and terrorists in Barangay Lilot Madaya in Marawi City that lasted for some 14 hours on Friday.
Around 40 soldiers were also reported wounded in the fighting that started 3:30 a.m. and ended 5 p.m. of June 9.
Meanwhile, 191 Maute fighters have been killed, according to AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo.
A total of 158 firearms were also seized by troops from the militants, Arevalo said.
The remaining Maute fighters are holed up in fortified buildings and structures, Arevalo said.
They are using sniper fires, mortar fire, anti-tank rounds, and improvised explosive devices to kill anyone, he added.
Arevalo said that there is need to use armor, artillery and air power assets to breach the terrorists stronghold and their underground fortresses. (PNA)
credit: Davao Today
