Lorenzana visits wounded troopers at AFP Medical Center

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, assisted by a member of the Damers and Clarions of Cotabato, distributed care packages to injured troopers confined at the AFP Medical Center on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. (Photo from the Department of National Defense)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday told wounded soldiers recuperating at Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center  in Quezon City to stay strong because the moment of success in Marawi was fast approaching.

“At this point, many have died and were wounded,” he said during his visit to the hospital. “But hold on because in return will be the victory of all Filipinos – the liberation of Marawi from the hands of the terrorists.”

Lorenzana, together with members of the Damers and Clarions of Cotabato (DCC), gave out care packages to 150 patients in the hospital.

He told the patients that DCC members, whom he called sons and daughters of Mindanao, gave their support to government security forces in Marawi because they witnessed their efforts to secure and protect their communities.

“They know how you have sacrificed for them,” Lorenzana said. “They have seen and felt the hardships of our soldiers in their hometown and appreciated what you have done for them and their families.”

As of July 11, the clash in Marawi has already claimed the lives of 90 government troops and 39 civilians.

The AFP said its troops were continuously gaining headway against Maute terrorists in Marawi. –Daphne Yann P. Galvez, INQUIRER.net /atm