Fleet-Marine Warriors of Marawi receive awards

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (October 26, 2017) – Fleet-Marine warriors of the Philippine Navy received awards from the Naval Forces Western Mindanao on Wednesday (Oct. 25) aboard BRP Tarlac (LD 601) and NTG Marawi Command Post, military official said.

The Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Rear Admiral Rene V Medina AFP and the Deputy Commander for Marine Operations, Col. Hernanie S Songano PN (M) along with NFWM Staff and the Commander,1st Marine Brigade and Joint Task Group Tiger,  Brig. Gen. Melquiades V Ordiales Jr AFP handed the awards in a simple ceremony aboard BRP Tarlac (LD 601) and NTG Marawi Command Post.

RADM Medina said that the medals were given to the deserving Marawi troopers who fought a violent and intense battle for five months against the Abu Sayyaf and ISIS inspired-Maute group. The awardees were members of the Forward Support Medical Team Task Force Tiger; 12th Motor Transport Company, Combat Service Support Task Group 6; the 61st Marine Company, 62nd Marine Company, 63rd Marine Company, 64th Marine Company, 65th Marine Company of the Marine Special Operations Group; 6th Marine Company of Marine Battalion Landing Team-6; 16th Marine Company, Field artillery Battalion; 73rd Marine Company, Assault Armor Battalion of Combat Service and Support Brigade; 57th Marine Company, MBLT 7 of 1st Marine Brigade; Headquarters and Service Company of Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 and Naval Special Operations Group.

Moreso, the Civil Military Operations Unit- Western Mindanao was awarded for the conduct of numerous humanitarian assistance and relief operations during the height of Marawi crisis. Also, the 1st Marine Brigade Command Group Alpha were given awards for the Civil Military Operations, logistical and operational assistance they have provided to the troops in Marawi.

The awarding ceremony was followed by a Boodle fight with the CNFWM and members of the Fleet-Marine Team. This traditional Boodle fight strengthened the bonds of trust and solidarity between the Commander and his troops and one way to celebrate the liberation of Marawi City.

Marawi has been declared liberated from Maute terrorists group last Oct. 17, 2017 by Pres. Duterte after the death of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Isnilon Hapilon and Maute Group leader, Omar Maute.

Indeed, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has given its full effort and fought a good fight to free the City of Marawi from the Maute-ISIS inspired terrorist group, RADM Medina added.