Palace asks Filipinos to join 'high noon salute' to Marawi heroes

Malacañang on Monday announced that the Philippine media will lead a tribute to the soldiers and innocent victims who were killed in Marawi City, as the entire nation commemorates the 119th anniversary of the declaration of the Philippine independence.

"Today as the nation observes Independence Day we will pay homage to the fallen soldiers of Marawi," presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

He said that the names of the soldiers who died fighting in Marawi City would be flashed on TV and read over radio "with the sound of taps" at 12 noon to pay tribute to "their heroism for making the ultimate sacrifice for the flag and the country we dearly love."

Radio dzBB read the names and flashed pictures of the fallen soldiers during a televised program at past 7 a.m.

List and photos of the fallen soldiers

"We would likewise remember all the innocent victims who perished as a result of rebel atrocities committed," Abella said.

"We enjoin the public to honor these heroes and civilians and pray for them and the families they left behind," he added.

A total of 58 soldiers and 21 civilians were killed as the ongoing clashes between the government troops and the ISIS-linked Maute group entered its third week.

The military said over the weekend that a total of 138 Maute group members have also been killed. —ALG, GMA News