MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) -- The Islamic City of Marawi joined the entire nation in commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Philippine Independence.

A simple ceremony was held at the Marawi City Hall Gymnasium led by the city government of Marawi and Task Force Marawi, June 12, to pay tribute to the Filipino heroes who sacrificed and fought to achieve the freedom every Filipino is enjoying now.

City Administrator Camid C. Gandamra Sr. said there is nothing more important and precious than freedom. "And so we commemorate this special day to pay respect and tribute to the people who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and the freedom of our country," he said.

According to him, such freedom was the result of many sacrifices and loss of lives. 

Gandamra said that Independence Day symbolizes that the government is a government of all the people, for the people, and by the people.

Meanwhile, the city government's Executive Secretary lawyer Ombra Gandamra reminded the Marawi citizenry to be grateful always and instill in their hearts the hardships and sacrifices of those who gave their lives for the country's freedom.

Task Force Marawi Commander Colonel Ian Noel P. Ignes, on the other hand, said the Task Force is also advancing peace and order and security for the city to achieve independence from violence and security threats.

Simultaneous with the program at the city hall was the blaring of firetruck sirens and a flag-raising ceremony at the New Capitol Complex Grounds spearheaded by the Bureau of Fire and Protection Provincial Office. The ceremony was also joined by personnel from the Madalum Fire Station, Bayang Fire Station, Binidayan Fire Station, Poona Bayabao Fire Station, and Masiu Fire Station. (JND/PIA Lanao del Sur)