Marawi soldiers promoted, kids get scholarships

MANILA, Philippines — At least 15 soldiers fighting in Marawi have been promoted.

The soldiers received their new rank insignias in Barangay Mapandi on Monday during a ceremony presided by Maj. Gen. Rolly Bautista, First Infantry or Tabak Division commander. 

The newly promoted soldiers belong to the 10th Infantry Battalion. 

Bautista said the promotion was in recognition of the troops’ selfless service to the people of Marawi. He said it is incumbent on the military leadership to sustain the high morale of the troops.

“In this final stage of... the assaults, we will win the war against terrorism in Marawi City,” he said.

As this developed, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Eduardo Año handed scholarship certificates to the children of T/Sgt. Aldrin Dinglasan, Pfc. Jobert Hollero and S/Sgt. Larry Lopez, who were slain in the fighting in Marawi.

Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP public affairs office chief, said the children would receive monthly tuition and stipend until they finish college.

Except for one of Dinglasan’s children, who is a fourth year college student, the other beneficiaries are either in grade school or kindergarten.

Officials said Hollero’s infant child is also assured of monthly educational assistance upon reaching school age.