Memorial Wall in honor to fallen Cordilleran cops and soldiers mulled

Cordillera - The city council of Baguio is proposing a plan to build a memorial wall in Burnham Park to honor  the brave soldiers and policemen who sacrifice their lives for Marawi and other parts of the country. 

An ordinance filled by Councilor Edgar Avilla this week aims to commemorate the "service rendered by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) whose roots are in the City of Baguio and the Cordillera region who have been killed in action (KIA) in the war against terrorism in Mindanao and other parts of the country."

"The time is now ripe for the city to pay homage to the Igorots who were killed in action by installing a memorial wall with the names of the deceased inscribed in the memorial wall, and a bust depicting combat shoes to emphasize that our soldiers and policemen died literally with their boots on," Avilla said. 

Inscribed in the memorial walls are eight names of Cordilleran warriors who passed away serving their duty to protect the country. They are: 

• Police Chief Inspector Fredie Manuel Solar - Baguio City ( Solar was the first casualty in the war in Marawi).
• Corporal Benito Serrano - Conner, Apayao
• Private First Class Gener Tinangag - Barlig, Mountain Province
• Police Officer 3 Alexis Mangaldan - Bangued, Abra
• PO1 Moises Kimayong Jr. - Lagawe, Ifugao
• Corporal Nelson Wailan - Tabuk, Kalinga
• PO2 Daniel Tegwa - Bauko, Mountain Province
• PFC Jethro Estacio - Banaue, Ifugao

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Salute to CPL. Serrano from Kalinga who was among fallen soldiers in Marawi clash

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The proposed memorial wall will be in black granite with benches and flower beds around it to add serenity and solemnity to the memorial, Avilla described. 

Earlier this year, a monument was built at Lepanto National High School ground in Mankayan to honor the fallen Special Action Force (SAF) who were killed in a botched operation in Maguindanao. 

source | PNA

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Cordilleran soldiers sought-after in Mindanao because "they are full of courage and they don't complain" - PCO Asec. Banaag

Photo Courtesy || Armed Forces of the Philippines

Baguio City - Presidential Communication Operation Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Marie Banaag recognized the gallantry of Cordilleran soldiers in liberating Marawi City in the hands of the Maute insurgents.

In a radio interview, Banaag expressed gratitude to the soldiers who fought until the end to liberate Marawi.

"We are grateful to our fellow Igorots who did not leave Marawi and fought until the end to help the liberation of Marawi," Banaag said.

She also said that both Cordillerans and non-Cordillerans are talking about the bravery of the Igorots and they want them in Mindanao because of their attitude.

"They want Cordillerans in Mindanao because they don't complain and they are always full of courage. Every time I am in Mindanao, I always see officials who are Cordillerans and the non-Cordillerans talking about the bravery of the Igorots. Everything about my being a Cordilleran, goes out to them," Banaag added.

General MacArthur once said, "Many desperate acts of courage and heroism have fallen under my observation on many fields of battle in many parts of the world. I have seen forlorn hopes become realities. I have seen last-ditch stands and innumerable acts of personal heroism that defy description, but for sheer breathtaking and heart stopping desperation, I have never known the equal of those Igorots riding the tanks. Gentlemen, when you tell the story stand in tribute to those gallant Igorots."

READ ALSO: Memorial Wall in honor to fallen Cordilleran cops and soldiers mulled

Banaag works in Malacanang as the Communications Assistant Secretary of the present Duterte Administration. Part of her work is to hold media press briefing for the President when Secretary Martin Andanar and Spokesperson Ernesto Abella are not available.

Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Eduardo Año also expressed his gratitude and lauded the Cordilleran warriors  of their bravery. Most of the concluding fights against the terrorists were fought by them who belongs to the Special Operation Command and the Scout Ranger Company. 

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AFP chief of staff Eduardo Año commends brave Cordilleran warriors in Marawi

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source | PNA

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AFP chief of staff Eduardo Año commends brave Cordilleran warriors in Marawi

Photo Courtesy || General Eduardo Ano / Wikipedia

Cordillera - No less than the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Eduardo Año praises the soldiers from Cordillera who were part of the assault team that targets the Maute leaders leading to eventual liberation of Marawi City.

In his own words, Año recognized the ultimate sacrifice of the Cordilleran warriors during the final battle to neutralize Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

"The Philippine Government will forever be grateful to the Cordillera Warriors who gave the ultimate sacrifice and who were part of the striking force that finally killed the Isis inspired leaders Maute and Hapilon," Año said.

The final push towards the liberation of Marawi presented great challenge to Filipino soldiers specially to the Cordilleran Warriors because of the enemy's firm to protect their last stronghold. This leads to the loss of many of the Cordilleran soldiers.

"We are saddened with the loss of our brave soldiers specially our Cordillera Warriors belonging to the Special Operation Command and the Scout Ranger Company who led the daily assault against the Isis leaders and eventually liberated Marawi," General Año said.

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Igorot soldier in Marawi puts his life in danger to save hostages

Igorot soldier 1st Lt. Fagyan shares his experience fighting in Marawi

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Año also extends condolences and to the families of the soldiers and express gratitude for their service to the country.

"To the relatives of the Cordillera Warriors, we extend our sincerest condolences, thanks and gratitude for their service to the country of these brave Cordilleran Warriors. Rest assured that the country will always treat them as our heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice to attain peace for the people of Marawi," Año added.
The government has listed 155 soldiers including policemen who were killed in Marawi while almost a thousand casualties from the side of the terrorist group Maute.

The Cordilleran Warriors of Marawi. Photo Credit: Harley Palangchao FB page

source | sunstar baguio
photo | davao today

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