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