By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The welcome ceremony for members of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) who have recently returned from Marawi City, originally scheduled for today, was moved to Monday.

A reliable source working for the Negros Occidental Governor’s Office, who has asked for anonymity, said it was moved since Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. is currently out of the province for an official function.

It was earlier reported, Marañon would lead the welcoming ceremonies at the Provincial Capitol grounds, with 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commander, Major General Jon Aying, also expected to be in attendance.

Earlier, 303IB commander, Colonel Eliezer Losañes, stated the welcome ceremony was recognition for their unit, who were sent to Marawi City to fight the Islamic State-backed Maute terror group.

The end of the Marawi siege was earlier announced by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, after troops cleared out the last building in the city held by the terror group.

It is estimated around 962 terrorists and 165 government forces were killed.

Around 1,400 soldiers and police officers were also wounded in the conflict./DGB, WDJ