BACOLOD CITY – Soldiers from Negros Occidental, who fought in Marawi City, were honored by the provincial government in rites held at the Capitol grounds here Friday.
Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the heroes’ welcome for the 81 troopers of the 31st Division Reconnaisance Company of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
In his speech, Marañon said the Capitol held a welcome party for the soldiers to recognize their sacrifices during the five-month Marawi siege.
The governor and Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, commander of the 3rd ID, also led wreath-laying rites to honor the five Negrense soldiers at the monument of the World War II Veterans in the Provincial Park and Lagoon, with the families of the slain soldiers.
The five killed in action were Corporal Arnel Arquio, Staff Sergeant Joseph Villanueva, Private First Class Ramonito Occena Jr., PFC ArjelitoBaroa, and PFC Nilbert Dedales.
During the program, First Lieutenant Richard Paul Gobway, commander of the 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company, reported his unit’s accomplishments.
The program was followed by a boodle fight at the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center.
Earlier, the provincial government also launched a campaign to raise funds and other forms of assistance for the rehabilitation of Marawi City.
Marañon had said he presented the idea to President Rodrigo Duterte who visited this city for the 38th MassKara Festival last October 22. He got the support of the Chief Executive for the initiative dubbed, “Negros Cares.” (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)
