REMEMBERING HEROISM: 53IB Commemorates 4th Anniversary of the Liberation of Marawi City from Terrorist Influence
The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) remembered the heroism of its fellow comrades-in-arms as it commemorated the 4th Anniversary of the Liberation of Marawi City on October 16, 2021.
A battle that lasted for about five months, the Marawi Siege was dubbed as one of the longest urban battles in Philippine History.
It started on May 23, 2017 and formally ended on October 17 that same year after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte proclaimed the City ‘liberated’ from ISIS-Maute terrorists.53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera participated in the Marawi Liberation Anniversary Commemoration in Marawi City where President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was Guest of Honor and Speaker.
President Duterte recognized the sacrifices and bravery of soldiers and police personnel who fought for several months to defeat ISIS-Maute terrorist group who occupied the city.In a statement, Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera reiterated the Army and 53IB’s mandate to serve the people and secure the land.
“The Marawi Crisis will forever serve as an inspiration to all of us to continue exerting our best efforts in serving the people and the country,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.
The event was also participated by other government agencies and different units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The 53rd IB committed one (1) of its line companies to battle ISIS-Maute terrorist group.
