On Monday, October 17, the fifth anniversary of Marawi City’s liberation from terrorists was remembered, beginning with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Marawi Pylon at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

The event was led by Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

The military host was Major General Jose Eriel Niembra of the Philippine Army.

After a five-month siege, then-President Rodrigo Duterte announced on October 17, 2017 that Marawi City had been liberated from the Islamic State-inspired Maute organization.

A group of Marawi liberators also presented flowers at Monday’s event.

Galvez stated in his statement that the celebration is a chance to acknowledge, respect, and thank the 169 government personnel who were killed and the 1,800 government troops who were injured during the Marawi City war.

Galvez further stated that the restoration of Marawi City is underway, with roads, bridges, and other infrastructure being built on a constant basis.

He stated that the OPAPRU (Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity) has initiatives to assist surviving relatives of killed government soldiers and people in the healing process.

Former Interior Secretary Eduardo Ao, who was the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the Marawi siege, and former Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista, who was the commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi at the time, were also present at the event.