ZAMBOANGA CITY — Major General Steve Crespillo, the Commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), participated in the commemoration of the Liberation of Marawi on October 17, 2023.
The key events during the commemoration included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Heroes’ Memorial Wall within the premises of the 103rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Kampo Ranaw, Marawi City. Subsequently, a commemoration program was held at the Covered Court, City Hall Compound in the same city.
Notable figures attending the ceremonies included General Romeo Brawner, Jr., the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity. Both played pivotal roles in liberating the city from the Islamic State-affiliated Maute Group. At that time, Colonel Brawner served as the Task Force Marawi spokesperson and deputy commander, while Lieutenant General Galvez was the WestMinCom commander.
General Brawner, during his address, reflected on the courage, compassion, and resilience displayed by government forces. He stated, “So today, my brothers and sisters, we remember the sacrifices that our people made.” He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Navy to Marawi City’s lasting peace.
The five-month standoff, which unfolded from May to October 2017, resulted in the neutralization of 920 terrorists, the rescue of 1,780 hostages, and the recovery of over 800 high-powered firearms. Additionally, nearly 2,000 unexploded ordnances, improvised explosive devices, and booby traps were retrieved from the terrorists. Tragically, 168 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against the adversaries.
The 6th commemoration of the Marawi liberation also witnessed the participation of Major General Jose Maria Cuerpo II, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division; Brigadier General Ulpiano Olarte, Commander of the 55th Engineer Brigade; Brigadier General Anthon Abrina, Commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade; Brigadier General Yegor Rey Barroquillo, Jr., Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade; Colonel Rogelio Gabi, Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations at WestMinCom; Lanao del Sur Vice-Governor Muhammad Khalid Raki-in Adiong; Lanao del Sur 1st District Congressman Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong; and Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra.
Major General Crespillo expressed his deep respect and gratitude for all the heroes of Marawi, known and unknown. He said, “Their bravery and dedicated service to our country will forever be remembered.”
