ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Roses were given to each of the soldiers who belong to three Scout Ranger Battalions in a hero’s welcome ceremony on Monday as they arrived from a five-month combat duty in Marawi City.
The roses were distributed to the troops in formation by the officers, female soldiers, and civilian employees of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in a ceremony held at Camp Navarro here.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and other top military officials joined them in the distribution of roses.
Afforded hero’s welcome were the troops from the Army’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th Scout Ranger Battalions who saw action in Marawi City against the combined Daesh-inspired Maute group and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Galvez said the troops will return to their respective operation-control units and will be given time to rest in preparation for fresh assignments.
Both Galvez and Salazar congratulated the troops for gallantry in action against the terrorists in Marawi City.
Galvez awarded command plaques to the three Scout Ranger Battalions for outstanding performance, courage, dedication and commitment during the conduct of relentless and close-quarter battle for almost five months.
He said the 3rd Scout Ranger (Excelsior) Battalion has cleared strategic buildings occupied by the terrorists in Marawi City.
They have neutralized 112 terrorists, including Maute group leader Omar Maute and Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon; recovered 113 assorted firearms; and, unexploded ordnance.
The “Excelsior” Battalion suffered 10 personnel killed in action and 184 wounded in action since they arrived on June 2 in Marawi City.
The 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion is under the operational-control of the Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade in Basilan province.
The 4th Scout Ranger (Masigasig) Battalion was behind the clearing of strategic building occupied by the terrorists including Bato Ali Mosque; neutralized 76 terrorists, including 43 sniper kills and three captured; rescue of 32 hostages; recovered 144 assorted firearms; and, 500 unexploded ordnance.
The “Masigasig” Battalion troops suffered 11 killed and 104 wounded in action since they were deployed on May 30 in Marawi City.
The battalion is under the operational control of the Army’s 501st Infantry Brigade in Sulu.
The 5th Scout Ranger (Crusader) Battalion was involved in the relentless and close-quarter battle against the terrorists; provided artillery support to other units; provided assistance to other unit’s snipers; and, have established a medical aid station in the main battle area in Marawi City.
The “Crusader” Battalion is a new unit of the Army’s Scout Ranger since it was activated on June 1, this year. The unit is based in San Miguel, Bulacan.
The ceremony was followed by a photo session and breakfast hosted by the Westmincom. (PNA)
