Duterte salutes troops in Marawi: Gov’t won’t abandon you

President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a message on Monday, July 3, 2017, to troops fighting Islamic State-inspired terrorists in Marawi. (Photo from an RTVM video)

“The nation will never neglect heroes of the Republic,” President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday night as he assured troops fighting terrorists in Marawi that the government would not abandon them.

In video message released by the Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO), Duterte lauded the troops who had been fighting against the Maute terrorists in Marawi.

“I am commending our troops of the Republic of the Philippines on the ground for your relentless effort and determination in our goal to retake the city of Marawi from the Maute Group and other local terrorists,” he said.

He enjoined “the operating troops to carry on until our objective of wiping out these enemies of the state and the people has been achieved.”

“I urged you to remain steadfast and alert as martial law in Mindanao will remain in effect to counter the persistent threat of terrorism and insurgency,” he said.

The President promised government assistance for the fallen soldiers and their families.

“Government assures all the wounded and all the bereaved families that their needs be attended to,” he said.

As of posting time, 84 government troops have been killed in the fighting, which has been going on for more than a month now.

“Let us also honor and remember our fallen comrades,” Duterte said. “May their courage and bravery remind us of the sacrifices asked of us as we go about the task of building a peaceful nation.”

He told the troops that their duty would not end with the ending of the Marawi siege.

“The people of Marawi will also need also need your assistance as they rebuild their lives and homes once our military operations come to a conclusion,” he said.

“By fulfilling this, we must not let our guards down against the emergence of terrorism and banditry in the area,” he said.

He reminded the troops of their duty in achieving a just and lasting peace for the country.

“Let us all continue to strive to build a stable, orderly, and progressive society,” he said. “Continue to work to make our shared dream a genuine and lasting peace a reality.”

He told the troops to “continue to serve our country and the Filipinos.”

“My salute goes to all of you there,” he said. “Maraming salamat. Mabuhay kayong lahat. Hindi ko kayo kalimutan at hindi ko kayo pababayaan.” /atm