Nine years after Philippine troops drove out Islamic State-linked militants from Marawi City, the Armed Forces of the Philippines paid tribute to its fallen on Friday, October 17, 2026, with a wreath-laying rite and gun salute at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Ceremony Held at Heroes Memorial in Camp Aguinaldo
The AFP Public Affairs Office said the tribute took place at the Heroes Memorial inside AFP General Headquarters, where an honor guard bearing national and AFP colors stood beside the memorial's bronze combat statue. Lieutenant General Rommel P. Roldan of the Philippine Air Force, serving as AFP Vice Chief of Staff, led the proceedings and rendered a salute before a white floral wreath placed at the statue's base, according to photos released by the AFP.
Roldan currently holds the second-highest position in the AFP. He had previously served as AFP Deputy Chief of Staff before assuming the Vice Chief of Staff post earlier this year.
Military Renews Pledge to Honor Those Who Fell in Battle
According to the AFP Public Affairs Office, the ceremony was held to honor the bravery and sacrifices of military personnel who fought throughout the siege, with the armed forces reaffirming its commitment to preserving their memory and recognising their service to the nation.
The 2017 Siege: Five Months of Urban Fighting in Lanao del Sur
The battle began on May 23, 2017, when militants linked to the Islamic State group — among them fighters from the Maute group and Abu Sayyaf — seized portions of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.
Then-President Rodrigo Duterte formally declared Marawi liberated on October 17, 2017, a day after government troops killed siege leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute. Then-Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced the official end of combat operations on October 23, 2017.
The military reported that more than 160 soldiers and police officers were killed in action during the five-month campaign, with over 1,400 others wounded. The engagement is considered the longest urban battle in the Philippines' modern military history.
Photo credit: Cpl. Luna PA / PAOAFP
Source: breakingnewsnegor.com / AFP Public Affairs Office