CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Brawner Jr, returned on October 17 to Marawi to celebrate the city’s liberation from IS-linked terrorists.
Fresh from his studies in the US Army War College, General Brawner, who called Marawi City his second home, recalled during his speech in the commemoration ceremony how he volunteered to participate in the campaign to free the city in 2017.
“We told the story of Marawi City, the real story, not the story of ISIS. Doing so, we got the sympathy of our country and the world. We got the support of Filipinos and people abroad,” said the CSAFP, who was designated as the Task Force Marawi spokesperson and deputy commander.
“On our way here this morning, we were reminded not of death and destruction, but of courage, compassion, and resilience. So today, my brothers and sisters, we remember the sacrifices that our people made,” General Brawner Jr added as he honored both the security personnel and civilians who died in the conflict.
A wreath-laying ceremony led by Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity and former CSAFP and commander of the Western Mindanao Command, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr, was conducted at the headquarters of 103rd Infantry Brigade at the Heroes Wall in honor of those who perished in the attack.
Meanwhile, during an interview, the CSAFP said that the AFP is ready to assist the government in repatriating Filipinos affected by the conflict by the conflict in Israel and Gaza.
“As far as the AFP is concerned, we already have a plan in case the government ordered us to help in the repatriation of Filipinos affected by the conflict in Israel and Gaza. Our air assets are ready to assist,” General Brawner said.///
