Letters of support, donations boosted morale of Marawi troops

What seemed as a simple message board inside the command post of government forces in Marawi City has boosted the morale of troops amid the five-month firefight as it contained letters of support from Filipinos nationwide.

A report on GMA News' Unang Balita by Raffy Tima on Wednesday showed that some of the letters were even penned by children.

One of the Scout Rangers said that a child's letter had really strengthened them to win the fight against the ISIS-inspired Maute members.

"Alam naman natin kung ano yung impact 'pag bata na yung nagsalita, kahit sinong battled seasoned warrior 'yan, kung bata na yung nagsalita, tagos talaga 'yun," he said.

The initiative to write letters for the soldiers deployed in Marawi started on Independence Day. The idea came from Tiger Garrido, a doctor, who visited Marawi and found that the soldiers were short on personal supplies like underwear and socks.

Meanwhile, one of the child's letter sent to the soldiers were filled with drawings including the Philippine flag.

"Dear soldiers, thank you for being so brave and fighting for us. I hope we will win! And I pray that you will be safe after," the letter read.

"Pagkabasa nung mga messages ng mga bata, naging aware na sila na, uy may dahilan, nagkaroon pa sila ng mas mataas na dahilan kung bakit naga-assault para sa mga 'yun," a Scout Ranger said.

Aside from the letters of support, a number of civilians have also sent food donations.

"Dahil sa mga donations na inihatid dito sa amin, mas lalong tumaas yung morale ng tropa. So dahil dun, mas napabilis yung pagtapos namin ng kaguluhan dito sa Marawi," another Scout Ranger said.

Combat operations in Marawi were terminated last October 23 as all militants were said to be killed in the war-torn city.

President Rodrigo Duterte announced the liberation of Marawi City after the deaths of terror leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

However, a Maute straggler was recently killed in a firefight on Tuesday morning as troops spotted the former inside the main battle area.

Colonel Romeo Brawner Jr., Task Force Ranao deputy commander, told GMA News Online that the straggler seemed to be escaping. He added that another straggler who wanted to enter the main battle area was killed by government troops the other day.

Latest data showed that a total of 47 civilians, 165 soldiers and police officers, and 920 Maute members have been killed in the firefight in Marawi City since May 23. — Marlly Rome Bondoc/RSJ, GMA News