MANILA, Philippines – The Senate on Monday, May 28, adopted a resolution honoring the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers who defended and maintained peace and order in war-torn Marawi City.

Senator Resolution 746, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Richard Gordon, remembered the soldiers’ heroic tasks that saved the city.

“Terrorism knows no boundaries as it can thrive anywhere across the globe. The Marawi crisis tested the capabilities and willpower of army leaders and personnel and set a new trajectory of how the army will overcome terrorism in the Philippines,” the resolution said.

“The supreme sacrifice of our fallen soldiers and police officers in order to fulfill their duty to defend and protect the country from terrorists should not be forgotten and deserves the highest commendation,” it added.

The passage of the resolution coincided with the 1st year anniversary of President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao  after members of Islamic State-inspired Maute group clashed with government forces.

A year later, portions of Marawi remain devastated even as government is working on its reconstruction. Martial law remains enforced after Duterte got Congress and even Supreme Court approval for its declaration and its repeated extension.

The declaration, upon Congress’ approval, is valid until the end of 2018. – Rappler.com