Remember Marawi victims, heroes, Duterte tells Pinoys

In this season of joy, Filipinos should not forget the people who sacrificed their lives to preserve the country and who lost their homes in the war in Marawi, President Duterte said in his Christmas message to Filipinos.

The government recently ended a five-month conflict with Islamic State sympathizers in Marawi City, which was reduced to rubble and would need massive reconstruction.

The fighting also displaced some 200,000 residents.

In his Christmas message, Mr. Duterte called for compassion amid the festivities for our countrymen who are going through difficulties.

True compassion

“And in the midst of all merriment, let us pause and remember our countrymen who have lost their lives fighting for the integrity of our country, and for those who lost their homes and loved ones in the recent war, those who are far from their families, and those who are not as fortunate and as blessed as most of us,” Mr. Duterte said in his message.

“Let us show our true compassion and include them in our supplications during the Yuletide season,” he added.

For the Philippines, he wishes for peace, progress and prosperity.

“And as always, I wish a progressive and peaceful country, and for the prosperity of our countrymen,” he said.

Christmas in Davao

The President will spend the holidays with his family and loved ones in his Davao City home, where he is expected to receive thousands of guests, according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

“When it comes to Christmas, we all do the same thing. It is time we spend with our families,” Roque said.

Mr. Duterte may also keep up his tradition of visiting cancer patients, he said.