Resolution Recognizing and Honoring the Gallantry, Bravery, Sacrifice, and Heroism of the Men and Women in Uniform under JTF Marawi, Especially Those Killed or Wounded, by Designating Them "Heroes of Marawi"

May 28, 2018

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 109

RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE GALLANTRY, BRAVERY, SACRIFICE, AND HEROISM OF THE MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM UNDER JOINT TASK FORCE (JTF) MARAWI, ESPECIALLY THOSE KILLED OR WOUNDED, BY DESIGNATING THEM "HEROES OF MARAWI"

WHEREAS, Article II, Section 5 of the Constitution provides that "the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy";

WHEREAS, Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution declares that "the Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory";

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 6975 established the Philippine National Police, to maintain peace and order and take all necessary steps to ensure public safety;

WHEREAS, exactly one year ago, on May 23, 2017, members of Islamic State-inspired Maute group clashed with government forces and raised a black flag with an ISIS logo in front of the Amai Pakpak Hospital, prompting President Rodrigo Duterte to place the entire Mindanao under martial law through Proclamation No. 216;

WHEREAS, terrorism knows no boundaries as it can thrive anywhere across the globe, and the Marawi crisis tested the capabilities and willpower of our army leaders and personnel;

WHEREAS, on October 17, 2017 or 148 days later, Marawi City was liberated from ISIS-affiliated militants, leaving 165 troops killed and 1,767 others wounded;

WHEREAS, about 39 civilians were killed in battle and about 1,723 civilians were rescued;

WHEREAS, the Battle of Marawi was peculiar because it was the first urban warfare fought on Philippine soil, involving the putting up of a combined security force composed of units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Marawi;

WHEREAS, the help, assistance, and support of nongovernmental organizations and volunteers, including humanitarian relief volunteers such as the UNICEF, Philippine Red Cross, Tarlac Heritage Foundation, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement, Kilos Kabataan Livelihood Foundation, among others, produced a massive positive impact on JTF Marawi and facilitated its success in the neutralization of ISIS-affiliated militants;

WHEREAS, it is but fitting that at this commemoration, we remember our brave, valiant, and gallant soldiers for their heroic task that prevented the takeover of a part of the Philippine territory by ISIS-affiliated militants;

WHEREAS, it is time to review and learn from the lessons of the past so that we can be better prepared for the future;

WHEREAS, as stated by Lt. Gen. Rolly Bautista, "it is imperative to document our trials, failures, lessons learned, and the success of the Philippine Army in the Battle of Marawi which led to the eventual neutralization of the ISIS-Maute Terrorist Group in order to prevent a similar incident from happening in the future";

WHEREAS, while we honor those killed in action, let us also not forget the wounded in action, who may not be able to return to a useful life, and the selfless volunteers who did what they could, in service of country, without seeking favor or remuneration from the government;

WHEREAS, during the interpellation of Sen. Richard J. Gordon during the Special Joint Session of the Seventeenth Congress on July 22, 2017, 1st Lt. Kent Fagyan, Commanding Officer of the 15th BRC First Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, stated, "doon po sa loob, hindi ka kasi makakain ng tamang oras, hindi ka makatulog ng kasi palagi kang magising, putok dito putok doon. Simula umaga hanggang gabi. Almost 24 hours na, lalo na nung first week. So yun po sa aming mga sundalo, kahit po na ganun yung naranasan namin, ginagawa lang po namin yung tungkulin namin";

WHEREAS, the supreme sacrifice of our soldiers and police officers should not be forgotten and deserves the highest commendation: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, as it is hereby resolved, That the Senate of the Philippines recognize and honor the gallantry, bravery, sacrifice, and heroism of the men and women in uniform under Joint Task Force (JTF) Marawi, especially those killed or wounded, designating them "Heroes of Marawi." aDSIHc

Adopted,

(SGD.) VICENTE C. SOTTO IIIPresident of the Senate

This Resolution was unanimously adopted by the Senate on May 28, 2018.

(SGD.) MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICASecretary of the Senate