DAVAO CITY, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte braved the strong rains just to reach the troops at the battleground in Marawi City Friday, August 4.
Duterte was inside the main battle area to encouraged government troopers to stay alive and “practice caution until the end of the war.”
“Malapit na itong matapos, konting tiis nalang. Just make sure na buhay kayo pag natapos itong gyera na ito (We are nearing the end, a little patience. Just make sure you are all alive after the war)” , Duterte the soldier and policemen.
President met with ground commanders who are in the main battle area, “to show them that he is, all the way, with them in this fight.”
Unmindful of the rain, Duterte spent 20 minutes for “selfies and groupies with the troops.”
He also distributed G-shock military watches and other goods as well as inspired the troops in the front line in Marawi City.
A briefing was held with Western Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., and Joint task Force Marawi commander Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista.Maj. Gen. Danilo Pamonag, Special Operations Command chief; Brig. Gen. Ramiro Rey, Joint Task Force Ranao commander; and other ground commanders.
Duterte visited Marawi after the government troops successfully gained control of strategic structures previously occupied by the ISIS-inspired Maute group.
President met with ground commanders who are in the main battle area, “to show them that he is, all the way, with them in this fight.”
He re-echoed his pledged to put up a PhP50-billion trust fund for the soldier’s and policemen’s dependents. Scholarship grants will also be accorded to the children of uniformed men.
Duterte’s visit boosted the morale of the government troops.
In expressing gratitude for his invaluable support, soldiers took an improvized placard to thank their commander-in-chief.
He was accompanied by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr; Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana; AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Eduardo Año; Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda; Navy Flag Officer in Command, Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado; and Air Force Chief, Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina.-Editha Z. Caduaya/Newsline.ph
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