CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA) -- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. led the tribute to the fallen heroes of Marawi as the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the 5th Marawi Liberation Anniversary yesterday at Marawi Pylon, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.

Galvez pledged to continue the legacy of the soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Marawi, through working towards peace talks and negotiations for an “all-encompassing and all-inclusive peace” in the country.

He also visited the Marawi exhibit installed at the Headquarters Philippine Army Grandstand to reminisce the heroism and valor of the soldiers and the security forces who fought in the Marawi siege, the longest urban battle in the modern history of the Philippines.

Other notable guests who joined the Marawi honors include retired Gen. Eduardo M. Año, former Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP); retired Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, former Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and former Commander of Joint Task Force Marawi, who, eventually, served as the Commanding General, Philippine Army; and, retired Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., former Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, Armed forces of the Philippines.

The Philippine Army also joined the Marawi liberators and their families in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the heroism of soldiers and government law enforcers. (OPAPRU/PIA-NCR)