MANILA — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., lauded the courage of students and faculty members of the Mindanao State University (MSU) main campus in Marawi City for having the courage to proceed with their academic schedules despite the ongoing battle between goverment troops and Maute-ISIS terrorists last year.
Galvez made the remark during MSU’s 53rd commencement exercises on Wednesday.
“Such brave act became the symbol of hope among Maranaos and even our soldiers that Marawi City will soon recover and return to normal,” Galvez said in his speech before the 2,000 students who successfully graduated.
During the Marawi crisis, the AFP deployed additional troops to augment the security of MSU from external and internal threats. Despite the heavy firefight, the MSU opened its gates to the students who were determined to finish their education.
In July last year, around 1,700 MSU graduates held their commencement exercises outside the main campus due to the ongoing firefight between government troops and ISIS-inspired terrorists.
“Today, we welcome two thousand students who brought us hope in their success, your resilience to continue your studies despite the Marawi crisis inspired your soldiers. I’m supposed to give you an inspirational message today on your graduation but you instead inspired me, inspired the Armed Forces,” the AFP chief said.
The Marawi Crisis started May 23, 2017 when Maute-ISIS terrorists made simultaneous attacks against police, military and civilian targets in the city. It was only declared over in late October when military units successfully neutralized Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIS Emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon.
“Rest assured that the AFP is always here to conquer every obstacle and defeat every enemy in order to keep this region peaceful and protect the people from the grips of harm,” he added. (Priam Nepomuceno with reports from Jahziel Manalo, OJT/PNA)
