Originally scheduled for last Friday, October 27, and rescheduled for the following Monday, the hero’s welcome for troops of the Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) 31st Division Reconnaissance Company returning from Marawi City was conducted yesterday morning at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol.

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. and Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commander, Major General Jon Aying, led the ceremonies, which was also attended by other provincial officials, along with friends and families of the soldiers.

Aying thanked the troops for their sacrifice and offered his respects to the families of six Negrense soldiers who were killed in action during the five-month long siege.

The unit, which was also responsible for thwarting a kidnapping attempt by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Bohol this year, are considered ‘hardened soldiers’ by the 3ID commander.

When questioned if troops would be granted a vacation to Hong Kong, which was earlier promised by President Rodrigo Duterte, Aying said he was not yet sure about the plans but assured troops would receive allowances and tickets once they become available.

Marañon, meanwhile, said the provincial government will provide financial benefits to the families of slain soldiers, although he stated the provincial board would be the ones to set the amount.

Following their return to the province, the troops will now be concentrated on neutralizing the threat of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the province./DGB, WDJ