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

Cordillera - Corporal Benito G. Serrano was among the soldiers who were killed in action during the ongoing battle to recapture Marawi City from the control of Maute group and suspected members of Abu Sayaff.

CPL. Serrano was from Connor, Kalinga of the Scout Ranger Class 176 and of the 4th Light Reaction Company who was deployed in the Island of Mindanao.

Their mission was to conduct rescue mission to the trapped soldiers from the disabled armored personnel carrier of the 5th Mechanized Battalion when they were engaged in a fierce gun battle with the members of the Maute terrorist group who occupied Marawi City since May 23rd, 2017.

Corporal Serrano died in the line of his duty to protect the country. He was  hardworking, kind and one of the best in the military according to his senior officers.

His wife, a teacher in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur  is about to give birth to their second child.

A message of condolences were sent to the bereaved family of Coporal Serrano from many netizens, calling him hero.

The ongoing Marawi siege has claimed the lives of 11 soldiers and two police officers while 39 soldiers were recorded wounded  according to AFP Western Command spokesperson Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay.

"So far we have 11 soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the peace loving residents of Marawi," said Capt. Petinglay.

Corporal Benito G. Serrano, Photo credits: Josephine Jaron Codila

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Domogan fully supports Duterte's Declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao

(Wowcordillera) - Baguio City mayor Mauricio Domogan had expressed his support to President Duterte's declaration or Martial Law in Mindanao.

In a message on his official Facebook page, Mayor Domogan wrote he supported the the President's way of solving the ongoing crisis in Marawi city where terrorist group Maute had besieged.

"We supported the action of the President in declaring Martial Law in Mindanao. We have full trust that the President had been supplied with sufficient facts that can justify the declaration of Martial Law in the said area," Domogan said.

He also explained that he is not worried to what basis the president declared Martial Law and he is hoping that both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the AFP "will quell and stop the lawless violence and rebellion in the said area to save from possible death and injuries of the innocent civilians and damage to properties."

Mayor Domogan also acknowledge in his message Police Senior Inspector Fredie Solar from Baguio city who was among the casualties in Marawi terror attack.

RELATED: Young cop from Baguio hailed as hero in Marawi terror siege

"We are mourning for one of the casualties in the said lawless violence and rebellion is no less than Police Senior Inspector Fredie Solar from Baguio City," Domogan added.

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Young cop from Baguio hailed as hero in Marawi terror siege

Police Inspector Fredie Solar. Photo Credits: Susan Solar-Urbano

Baguio City -  A young cop from Baguio was being held as a hero on Tuesday after he was killed in the line of duty during the initial clash between government forces and the militant group Maute in Marawi City.

Senior Inspector Fredie Solar from Baguio City, a graduate of PNPA 'Sansiniringan' class of 2007 was assigned in Mindanao right after his graduation.

His story of becoming a police officer and of serving the people of Mindanao up to his untimely death has gone viral after a message of his sister Susan Solar-Urbano was widely shared on social media.

Susan shared how Freddie had ignored their request for him to work for his re-assignment to other place in the country except Mindanao. But he reasoned out that the people of Marawi liked him and he had loved them as well.

"After graduation, he was assigned in Mindanao. For numerous times, we have pleaded for him to come back in Baguio. We have asked him to apply to re-assignment at any other place in the Philippines except Mindanao," Urbano wrote.

"...the people there respect him and this was enough for him to stay. He has come to love the people of Marawi," Urbano added.

Fredie Solar died a hero defending the people that he has come to protect - the people of Marawi, Urbano continued.

"But just last night, a the Marawi siege, in the hands of the heartless terrorists, we lost him. He died defending the people that he has come to protect. We lost a humble, kind-hearted, determined brother who we dearly love, all for the sake of the country,"

Many netizens who have read Urbano's post were touched by the story and have shared their sympathies to the family of Solar.

"Condolence to the family and may you rest in peace inspector. I do not know the dignity of his birth but I do know the glory of his death. Salute to all brave men," Leoj Tagamub commented.

Facebook user Anacleta Soriano also wrote, I have so much respect for all men and women in uniform who selflessly gave their lives that we may live in peace and freedom. What a high price to pay! Rest in eternal heavenly peace MY HERO!"

The family of Police Inspector Fredie Solar has asked the assistance of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the transport of his body from Iligan City to Baguio.

As of this moment his body was in a funeral home in Illigan under the care of his wife and son.

President Rodrigo Duterte has cut short his 5-day trip in Russia and headed back home to see the situation on the Marawi attack. He later declared Martial Law in the entire Mindanao island.

The clash is still on going with some of the Philippine elite forces was deployed to help in bringing back peace in the terrorist-inflicted city.

By Alex.

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