MANILA, Philippines - A young Army lieutenant drew applause from lawmakers for his dedication to duty during deliberation on President Duterte’s request to Congress to extend the imposition of martial law in Mindanao yesterday.
1st Lt. Kent Fagyan was presented by security officials to members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to listen to his account of soldiers battling Maute militants in Marawi.
Fagyan, who was immediately deployed to Marawi when clashes broke out on May 23, appealed to members of Congress to grant the extension of martial law in the south.
He said the fighting in the city was different from the Zamboanga City siege in 2013 where he had also fought.
“They (Maute) are well-hidden in houses, that are three to four stories, and many have basements,” Fagyan said in Filipino.
He said the rebels, when fleeing government troops, leave booby traps like improvised explosive devices that could kill many if soldiers were not careful.
He showed his injured right arm that was hit by a bullet from a Maute sniper from a house that they thought was already cleared.
“I commend you for your bravery,” a teary-eyed Sen. Richard Gordon said.
A Philippine Marine walks past graffiti during a patrol along a deserted street at the frontline in Marawi City yesterday. AFP
Fagyan said his troops screen fleeing civilians to make sure that they were not extremists posing as refugees. It was good that his men were deployed in Marawi City for quite some time so they know most of the residents, he added.
Fagyan, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2012, is a recipient of the Tactics Group Award.
He said civilians in Marawi City are generally supportive of martial law, adding that soldiers also want the conflict to immediately end so they can return home to their families.
The 29-year-old officer has not gone home to his wife and one-year old daughter in Bontoc province for three months, he told lawmakers.
“We need martial law so we can end this conflict fast, and feel the support of the people,” he said.
He added that soldiers have simple pleasures that even clothes and food given by civilians boost their morale greatly.
“The support of the people means a lot to us,” Fagyan said.