Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana led the wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the fourth year anniversary of the Marawi siege that claimed the lives of 168 soldiers and policemen.
“As we reaffirmed our commitment in pursuit of lasting peace in Marawi City and the entire country, we shall honor the sacrifices of these men and women as they have offered their lives to fight for our country and our people,” said Sobejana during the ceremony Sunday, May 23.

Rehabilitation efforts are ongoing in Maraw City that include the establishment of livelihood programs, school buildings, a sports stadium, repairs of major bridges, public transport facilities and many other infrastructure programs.
Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade led the planting of 168 golden trumpet saplings at a relocation site that is being built by the UN Habitat in Barangay Dulay.
Housing Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario meanwhile revealed they are pushing the development of a 10-hectare military camp within the city that has an aim to make Marawi residents feel secured.
The Marawi City siege began on May 23, 2017 when government troops attempted to capture Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Isnilon Hapilon just as an attempt to establish a Dawlah Islamiyah “wilayat” or administrative state in Mindanao was being planned. The Maute Group, led by brothers Omar and Abdullah, laid siege on the city with the help of ASG rebels.
More than 1,200 people died in the battle until state troopers finally liberated Marawi City from the terrorists on October 17, 2017 following the death of Isnilon and the Maute brothers. Six days later, the war had been concluded.