‘Super size’ brigade to stay behind to secure Marawi

MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces chief Eduardo Año said the military will increase its normal presence in Marawi City to be able to secure the rehabilitation work that will be undertaken now that the war is over. 

“We will assess but at least more than a brigade. They will secure the rehabilitation,” Año told Rappler on Monday, October 23. (READ: Marawi combat operations over – Lorenzana) 

Up to 6 battalions could stay behind in Marawi City. Task Group Ranao deputy commander Colonel Romeo Brawner called it a “super size” brigade. 

Marawi City is host to the 103rd Brigade of the Philippine Army. Brigades are composed of 3 battalions, making up to 1,500 soldiers if all the units filled up. 

Six battalions mean up to 3,000 soldiers could stay behind in Marawi City. 

Brawner said the 6 battalions are for security alone. They’re on top of the engineering brigade, the Civil Military Operations unit, and the logistics team that will be deployed to perform various roles in rehabilitating Marawi. 

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana declared earlier on Monday that the war in Marawi is over after all the hostages were rescued and remaining fighters in the battle area were dealt with. 

Last week, troops killed siege leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute in clashes. – Rappler.com