Residents of Davao City rejoice as soldiers return home from Marawi City. (Cerilo Ebrano / Photoville International)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Members of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion who fought the battle in Marawi City have now returned to Davao City.
The Davawenyos, who brought with them white roses and flaglets, were proud to welcome the soldiers.
Private First Class Glenn Frey Ortizano is one of the members of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion who returned to Davao City from an almost five-month battle in Marawi City.
Ortizano said they had a very difficult life in Marawi City, and they were not able to sleep well since the terrorists were just one kilometer away from them.
Ortizano recalled an incident where he accidentally stepped on an improvised explosive device. He thanked God it did not detonate.
“First of all, I thank God. Because of him, I was able to go home. I am happy to be alive, and to finally see my family,” he said.
“I had experienced turmoil and suffering. I hope such an incident will never happen again, because it’s very difficult,” Ortizano added.
Nine of the battalion’s 200 members were killed in action while more than a hundred were injured.
And because of their priceless sacrifice, each soldier received a medal of Kagalingan.
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The scout rangers said they are so thankful to be able to come home alive.
“We can’t describe the happiness we are experiencing now that we can finally be with our families,” 2nd Scout Ranger Master Sargent Olideros Liam said.
The local government of Davao is hoping that with the return of the 2nd scout rangers, the monitoring of the security in the city would be further strengthened.
“With your presence, I am sure we’ll go a long way in deterring and having a psychological impact on the terrorist knowing fully well that your group have featured and have long experiences in the main battle area of the terrorists happened in Marawi,”PSSCC Head Ret. Gen. Benito de Leon said. – Grace Casin | UNTV News & Rescue
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