Duterte confers medals on Marawi Marines

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has honored 140 Marines who helped liberate Marawi from extremists in 2017. 

Duterte conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu on eight officers and 132 other personnel of the Marine Corps at Fort Bonifacio on Monday. 

“Our nation is forever grateful to the brave men and women of our Marine Corps who went above and beyond the call of duty to fight terrorism and insurgency to secure our sovereignty,” the President said. 

The Marine officers received the Kampilan medal, which is given to those “seriously wounded or suffered great loss of property as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.”

The enlisted personnel were awarded the Kamagi medal, which is given to those “who actively participated in and contributed significantly to an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.”

Maute militants and Abu Sayyaf bandits attacked Marawi on May 23, 2017, prompting Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao.

The President declared Marawi liberated from terrorists after five months.

Meanwhile, Duterte gave assurance that his administration would continue to implement programs that would strengthen the capabilities and boost the morale of soldiers. He said the government has been fasttracking the acquisition of new vessels, aircraft, trucks, drones and other military equipment since 2018.