JV EJERCITO SALUTES TROOPS ON SUCCESSFUL OPERATION VS TOP MAUTE TERRORISTS

I salute our troops for the successful operation that killed terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute. I commend the men and women of the armed forces for defending the Republic.

The death of Hapilon and Maute is a victory of peace over violent extremism. This major success, no doubt, ushers in the dawning of peace in Marawi City which we, peace-loving Christian and Muslim alike, have been praying for.

With the death of Hapilon and Omar Maute, I hope the few remaining remnants of the terrorist group will realize the futility of their resistance and the hopelessness of their evil cause and will finally surrender to the military.

The whole nation, the Filipino people, will never forget the heroism of our soldiers and will forever treasure their sacrifices at the altar of peace. Now, let's remain united and start rebuilding a better Marawi.

Let us honor and forget not our fallen soldiers. Huwag nating sayangin ang ibinuwis nilang buhay sa pamamagitan ng ating patuloy na mahigpit na pagkakaisa para sa kapayapaan.

Let us also learn from the lessons of this tragedy by strengthening our intelligence and counter-terrorism initiatives.

Mabuhay ang ating mga kawal! Ipanalangin natin ang kaluwalhatian ng mga ng mga bayaning sundalo na namatay sa labanang ito. Ipagdasal din natin ang mga sibilyan na nadamay at nasawi sa giyera.