Manny Pacquiao to soldiers: 'Do not give up, we are already on our last three rounds'

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (July 30, 2017) - Senator Manny Pacquiao visited troops in Marawi City Saturday (July 29) at the headquarters of the 103rd Brigade, Camp Ranao, Marawi City, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that wearing his Special Forces uniform, the Senator arrived shortly before 9 in the morning via a private helicopter. He was greeted by the Ground Commanders, Western Mindanao Command Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr, the Commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi, Brigadier General Joselito Bautista, the Commandant Of the Philippine Marines Brigadier General Emmanuel B Salamat, Commander of the Joint Task Group Ranao BGen Ramiro Rey and the Deputy Commander of the Mechanized Infantry Division BGen FelicisimoBudiongan upon his arrival.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the ground Commanders presented to the senator a short briefing update of the current situation in the besieged City of Marawi as well as the situation and morale of the troops.

In his message to the soldiers, Pacman stressed his sadness everytime he hears soldiers and policemen dying in the fight.

"Gusto kong sumama sa inyo sa labanan, gusto nyo bayun," he said addressing the troops.

"Hwag kayong sumurrender dahil kumbaga sa boxing, nasa last 3 rounds nalang tayo ngayon at malapit ng matapos," he added.

Soldiers who were pulled out from the rear to hear the be present during the visit felt elated for the opportunity to meet the boxing champ.

"Masayang masaya po kami na nakita namin ng personal ang aming idol," said TSgt Billete of the 103rd Brigade.

When asked if the visit bolstered their morale, he said," Oo naman, high morale na high morale kami dahil sa telebisyon lang namin sya nakikita at talagang nagbigay sya ng panahon sa mga sundalong andito sa frontline."

Cpt Petinglay said that the Senator also distribute goods to the troops and vowed to support all their efforts, him not only a senator but also a reservists of the Philippine Army commissioned to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

"We are happy to have the Senator here with us today, it is indeed quite a privilege," said Lieutenant General Galvez, the WestMinCom Chief.

"We know our troops on the ground will surely be in high spirits, knowing that Senator Pacquiao took his time out to come and show support to our troops despite his busy schedule."