Wreath-laying ceremonies and a formal military salute marked the Philippine Army's commemoration of the ninth anniversary of the Marawi liberation on Saturday, October 17, 2026, held at the Marawi Pylon within the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Efren F. Morados stood in for Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, reading the latter's prepared message before assembled Army officers and civilian guests, according to a press release from the Army's Public Affairs Office.
Commanding General's Tribute Read at the Pylon
In the statement relayed by Morados, Gumiran described the soldiers who fought in Marawi as embodying what he called the "indomitable Filipino spirit." The Army Public Affairs Office quoted Gumiran's message as follows:
"We celebrate the indomitable Filipino spirit hopeful that it reaches across future generations far into the future, reminding us that, once in the history of this great nation, our people faced a great tragedy; and that in the face of such adversity, Filipinos stood firm, bound by unyielding faith, uncommon courage, and an unwavering refusal to be deprived of their freedom."
The Marawi Pylon, which bears the engraved names and ranks of personnel who died in the campaign, served as the focal point of Saturday's anniversary rites. Photos released by the Army documented the wreath-laying and salute conducted at the structure.
Support Roles Explicitly Recognized in General's Remarks
Gumiran's message, as released by the Army's Public Affairs Office, extended recognition beyond frontline combatants to those who served in non-combat capacities throughout the five-month siege. Among those cited were liaison officers who assisted the families of fallen soldiers and coordinated the repatriation of remains, logistics and supply units that kept frontline troops equipped, headquarters personnel who sourced replacements for front-line shortfalls, and medical teams who treated the wounded.
"No contribution was too small when the nation was at stake," Gumiran said in the remarks read by Morados.
The Army said it continues to honor the courage and sacrifice of both soldiers and law enforcement personnel who lost their lives during the battle.
Profiles of the Two Officers at Saturday's Commemoration
Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran became the Philippine Army's 68th commanding general on August 11, 2026, succeeding Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, who was elevated to AFP chief of staff. Before assuming Army command, Gumiran led the AFP Western Mindanao Command.
Maj. Gen. Efren F. Morados, who delivered Gumiran's anniversary message, holds the position of Army vice commander. A graduate of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1992, Morados previously commanded the 803rd Infantry Brigade and, between 2013 and 2014, the 62nd Infantry Battalion in Negros Occidental.
Background: The 2017 Battle of Marawi
The Marawi siege began on May 23, 2017, after ISIS-inspired armed groups seized portions of the Lanao del Sur provincial capital. Government forces engaged the militants in close urban combat for approximately five months before authorities declared the city liberated in October 2017.
The annual commemoration at the Marawi Pylon is the Philippine Army's formal occasion to remember those killed in the campaign and to acknowledge the roles of all personnel involved in what military historians regard as one of the most intense urban battles in the country's history.
Photo credit: Cpl. Rodgen V. Quirante PA/PAO, Philippine Army
Source: Philippine Army Public Affairs Office