Manny Pacquiao Visits Camp Ranao In Marawi To Boosts Morale Of Soldiers
Senator Manny Pacquiao arrived Saturday morning, July 29 in
Marawi City to visit troops amid continuing clashes between terrorists and
state forces.
The boxer-turned-lawmaker, a Philippine Army reservist
ranked Lieutenant Colonel, arrived in full military garb at Camp Ranao around 9
a.m. with his staff to receive a security briefing from military officials.
After the closed-door meeting, Senator Pacquiao is expected
to have a dialogue with soldiers stationed at the base, a pep talk seen to
boost the morale of troops who have been engaged in firefights with Islamic
State-linked militants for more than two months now.
During his speech in front of the combatants, he said he
shared the grief of families of soldiers who died in the clashes in Marawi
City.
“Masakit para sa akin dahil hindi na maibabalik ang mga
buhay nila. Dalawang kamay, saludo ako sa mga sundalong lumalaban at hindi
sumusuko (It is painful for me because their lives can never be brought back.
With both my hands, I salute the soldiers who are fighting and who do not surrender).”
The lawmaker also distributed relief goods to the soldiers based
in the conflict zone and spend some light moments for photo opportunity with
them.
Senator Pacquiao’s visit came as the military pursued
offensives against remnants of the Maute terror group believed to remain in two
barangays in the city.
Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte also visited troops in
Marawi City on July 20 to show his support for his soldiers.
The government said the death toll from the long-drawn siege
has risen to 630: 471 terrorists, 45 civilians, and 114 state troops.
The conflict has displaced some 400,000 residents from
Marawi City and nearby areas.
President Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial
law on May 23 after terrorists captured parts of Marawi in a bid to establish
an Islamic State province in the Philippines.
On July 22, Congress extended martial rule until the end of
the year on President Duterte’s request.
Sources: ANC, GMA News
Manny Pacquiao Visits Camp Ranao In Marawi To Boosts Morale Of Soldiers
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July 29, 2017
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