Palace hails troops killed in Marawi City

Malacañang on Saturday hailed troops killed in clashes against the Maute group in Marawi City.

"We take a moment to remember some of the first casualties in the May 23 attacks in Marawi City; Marawi City Police Senior Inspector and Intelligence Unit Chief Freddie Manuel Solar, from Baguio City, and two members of Special Forces, First Lieutenant John Carl Morales and Special Forces Marlon Baldovino, both of Kabacan, North Cotabato," presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

"May they rest in peace, and may we be faithful to honor the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in the service of their country," he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23 and cut short his trip in Russia following the Maute group's attack in Marawi City.

Duterte justified his declaration by pointing out in his report submitted to Congress that the joint attack by the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups in Marawi City was an important step to eventually take over Mindanao.

As of May 26, the military said that around 31 members of the bandit group and 11 soldiers and two policemen have been killed since the attack on Tuesday.

The Maute group have also taken 15 people in Marawi City hostage, , including a Catholic priest and parishioners. —Marlly Rome C. Bondoc/ALG, GMA News