AFP Civil Relations Service chief Maj. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista shows the shirts they are selling in a bid to boost the morale of soldiers fighting in Marawi. NIÑO ORBETA/INQUIRER
(Updated, 3:36 p.m.) The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has found a way to boost the morale of government troops fighting in Marawi City by selling t-shirts.
The shirts, which contain the message “Support our Troops,” are available at the Civil Relations Service and at the Gate 1 of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
READ: Kids write letters thanking troops in Marawi
These shirts sell for only P150.
AFP CRS chief Maj. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista said the shirts are just meant to show support for the troops and are not part of a fund-raising activity.
“The purpose is not really to generate funds, that is why we are selling it at a (low) cost. Kung magkano ‘yung production cost namin ‘yun ang binebenta (We are selling it at a price equivalent to the production cost). The idea is for you to wear it,” he told reporters.
“It goes two ways kasi (because) if you are wearing the shirt, you are already supporting the troops. Anybody na makakabsaa naman nito (who can ready this) is encouraged to buy one and support the troops,” he added.
Thousands of soldiers are deployed in the battle for Marawi, which entered its 29th day on Tuesday. Death toll on the government side is 62 (59 soldiers and 3 policemen).
READ: Death toll of gov’t forces in Marawi rises to 62
The AFP has also opened two Land Bank accounts to those who are interested to help the families of fallen soldiers and affected civilians:
Account name: AFP Marawi Casualty account number 00000552107128.
Account name: Marawi IDP (internally displaced persons) account number: 00000552107136 IDL/rga