Army promotes 15 soldiers on Marawi frontline

Fifteen soldiers who fought on the frontline during the armed conflict in Marawi City were promoted to higher ranks last Wednesday.

The ceremony was held inside the battle zone in the war-torn city.

Major General Rolly Bautista, Commander of Joint Task Force Marawi and Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division,  led the donning of ranks for the following enlisted personnel from the 10th Infantry (Steady On) Battalion:

• Technical Sergeant (Sgt.) Erlindo M. Agraviador (Inf) PA
• Staff Sgt. Musappa A. Abdurajan (Inf) PA
• Sgt. Pindatun M. Asaali  (Inf) PA
• Sgt. Emmanuel S. Arpon (Inf) PA
• Corporal (Cpl.) Bensar S. Alih  (Inf) PA
• Cpl. Jonathan l. Sagap (Inf) PA
• Cpl. Richard D. Laguna (FA) PA
• Cpl. Julito A. Alpanta (Inf) PA
• Cpl. Frederick M. Ybanez (Inf) PA
• Cpl. Eldrin P Siano (Inf) PA
• Cpl. JoJo G. Anlas (Inf) PA
• Cpl. Joel P Logronio (Inf) PA
• Cpl. Melvasfar S. Ampo (Inf) PA
• Cpl. Jonathan A. Maghinay (Inf) PA
• Cpl. Zurin V. Matchete 898123 INF

Bautista said the promotion was meant to recognize the soldiers' "selfless service to the people of Marawi."

"The donning of ranks is to recognize our troops for their selfless service to the people of Marawi. We will sustain the high morale of our troops who are engaging the terrorists to restore peace. In this final stage of enemy assaults, we will eventually win the war against terrorism in Marawi City," he said.

Arpon, one of the promoted personnel, thanked Filipinos for their support as they continue the battle to free Marawi from the Islamic State-linked Maute group.

"Sa ating mga kababayan diyan, maraming salamat sa inyung suporta. Binigyan nyo kami ng pagkain dito at tubig. Maraming salamat po dahil magagamit po namin yan sa bawat gabi at araw," he said. — Jessica Bartolome/MDM, GMA News