Task Force Marawi composed of men from AFP, PNP, LGU created
By Bonita Ermac
Published May 25, 2023 13:50 pm
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Updated May 25, 2023 13:50 pm
MARAWI CITY – To sustain the peace the city gained after that infamous siege six years ago, a Task Force Marawi composed of security forces from the Philippine Army's 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade and Philippine National Police and supported by the local government here has been established.
103rd Brigade deputy commander Col. Billy dela Rosa dons the TF Marawi patch to members. (Photo via Bonita Ermac) Marawi has largely recovered from one of the most serious incidents of armed hostilities to ever happen in the country as rehabilitation work to raise the city from the rubble and improve the peace and order situation is and always be an ongoing process, said Mayor Majul U. Gandamra in his speech during the TF Marawi activation ceremony at the city gym on Monday, May 22. "We are still quite a long way from where we want to be, but at the same time much better than we were many years ago," said Gandamra. Gandamra extended his sincere and wholehearted thanks to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for taking the initiative to activate TF Marawi and admired their men for their steadfastness, courage, and loyalty to duty that they have shown over the years, more so during the siege. "I have seen how dedicated they have been, and therefore are deserving of honor and respect for their service," he added. The launching of TF Marawi, he said, is a manifestation of that ongoing process, a very reassuring gesture and proof that the AFP will always be at our side in our quest to keep Marawi's peace and order situation stable. "Even after the siege, security is still a priority, and a concern not just for the military stationed here but for the LGU and for the citizens. In essence, the creation of the task force is not only to help secure the law and order but also for collaboration on the delivery of services to our constituents," he added. "Today marks another milestone of our sincere efforts as we commence the activation of Task Force Marawi. Time and again, our unity and cooperation result in the current security, peace and order being experienced by everyone in Marawi City,” 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division Commander Major Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said in the vernacular. Nafarette also asked everyone in the task force to give their full commitment to their sworn duty, and maximize the "whole-of-nation" approach, and remain steadfast on accomplishing our mission. "I am confident that whatever is set to be accomplished will be achieved with everyone's cooperation,” he said. “Also, to our local government unit of Marawi City headed by Mayor Majul Gandamra, and to our PNP counterpart, on behalf of the Philippine Army and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole, we would like to thank you for the continuous support in keeping Marawi City a peaceful place for our Maranao people. Indeed, security is a shared responsibility, and we were able to provide it to our people," added Nafarette. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jerome Redosendo of the 500th Engineering Combat Battalion said he is honored and privileged to be installed as the first TF Marawi commander, and expressed gratitude for the trust given him.’ "As we take this challenge, I want to emphasize the importance of communication and cooperation between the uniformed personnel and our civilian counterparts. We shall work as a team with a clear focus in our vision and with utmost professionalism and integrity,” said Redosendo. Initially, the task force was provided by LGU Marawi with three pickups and one van, communication facilities, and a temporary office.
103rd Brigade deputy commander Col. Billy dela Rosa dons the TF Marawi patch to members. (Photo via Bonita Ermac) Marawi has largely recovered from one of the most serious incidents of armed hostilities to ever happen in the country as rehabilitation work to raise the city from the rubble and improve the peace and order situation is and always be an ongoing process, said Mayor Majul U. Gandamra in his speech during the TF Marawi activation ceremony at the city gym on Monday, May 22. "We are still quite a long way from where we want to be, but at the same time much better than we were many years ago," said Gandamra. Gandamra extended his sincere and wholehearted thanks to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for taking the initiative to activate TF Marawi and admired their men for their steadfastness, courage, and loyalty to duty that they have shown over the years, more so during the siege. "I have seen how dedicated they have been, and therefore are deserving of honor and respect for their service," he added. The launching of TF Marawi, he said, is a manifestation of that ongoing process, a very reassuring gesture and proof that the AFP will always be at our side in our quest to keep Marawi's peace and order situation stable. "Even after the siege, security is still a priority, and a concern not just for the military stationed here but for the LGU and for the citizens. In essence, the creation of the task force is not only to help secure the law and order but also for collaboration on the delivery of services to our constituents," he added. "Today marks another milestone of our sincere efforts as we commence the activation of Task Force Marawi. Time and again, our unity and cooperation result in the current security, peace and order being experienced by everyone in Marawi City,” 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division Commander Major Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said in the vernacular. Nafarette also asked everyone in the task force to give their full commitment to their sworn duty, and maximize the "whole-of-nation" approach, and remain steadfast on accomplishing our mission. "I am confident that whatever is set to be accomplished will be achieved with everyone's cooperation,” he said. “Also, to our local government unit of Marawi City headed by Mayor Majul Gandamra, and to our PNP counterpart, on behalf of the Philippine Army and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole, we would like to thank you for the continuous support in keeping Marawi City a peaceful place for our Maranao people. Indeed, security is a shared responsibility, and we were able to provide it to our people," added Nafarette. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jerome Redosendo of the 500th Engineering Combat Battalion said he is honored and privileged to be installed as the first TF Marawi commander, and expressed gratitude for the trust given him.’ "As we take this challenge, I want to emphasize the importance of communication and cooperation between the uniformed personnel and our civilian counterparts. We shall work as a team with a clear focus in our vision and with utmost professionalism and integrity,” said Redosendo. Initially, the task force was provided by LGU Marawi with three pickups and one van, communication facilities, and a temporary office.