125 coastguard troops get hero’s welcome after Marawi mission

After serving for  almost six months during the battle to free Marawi City, 125 members of the Philippine Coast Guard were welcomed as heroes upon their arrival at the Port of Manila on Friday.

GMA News' Rida Reyes reported on "Balitanghali" that the troops had a tearful reunion with their families and loved ones who waited for the PCG's BRP Pampanga to dock in Manila Bay.

PCG OIC Commodore Joel Garcia said that while coastguard troops did not directly battle the Maute-ISIS at the war zone in Marawi group the played an equally important role blocking enemy entry and exit in the Lake Lanao side fronting the city.

Most of the officers who made port are members of the PCG Task Force Unit 2.2, who served as the "blocking force" to prevent terrorists from entering and leaving Marawi City by water.

They were also commended for cutting off the Maute group's food and weapon's supply.

"Sila po ang nag-guwardiya kasama ang Navy troops natin at sa pulis sa lawa ng Marawi at sila ang pumipigil ng mga daloy ng mga bala at saka mga kagamitan, materyales na ginagamit ng mga terorista sa Marawi," said Garcia.

At Friday's ceremonies, 40 PCG members were given spot promotions. The were awarded with the Coast Guard's prestigious bronze cross medal. —Margaret Claire Layug/LBG, GMA News