We Will Overcome!

Originally, the assault was to be executed at 8 a.m. on May 23. But the action agent (AA) on the ground requested for a delay to gain a clearer picture and better assessment of the target area. The Team decided to conduct a reconnaissance and another one afterwards. The execution was moved up to 1:30 p.m. of the same day. It was all systems go for the operation.

At about 1:40 p.m., the Team descended upon the target area. Loud bangs were immediately heard followed by the ear- splitting sound of heavy gunfire. People scampered for safety in different directions. Intense gunfire, explosions, shouts, and cries dominated the air.

Surprised by the kind of guns-a-blazing resistance they got from the enemy, the Assault Team quickly realized that almost all the houses in the target area were already occupied by enemy fighters. It suddenly dawned on the troops that they were in for one big, bloody close-quarter fight. Already, just a few minutes into the fight, the Team had suffered casualties. They had gotten deep into the enemy enclave!

The heavy exchange of gunfire resonated all over Marawi. It was clearly heard at the TCP of BGen Bautista, several kilometers away from the battle site. Fear engulfed most of the residents who had spent their lives painstakingly working for a tranquil existence in Marawi. Suddenly, they found themselves in an alarming situation.

His years as a seasoned combat leader convinced BGen Bautista that the intense firefight could escalate to other areas within the city, judging from the sound of gunfire from various calibers. He needed to act fast. He ordered his battle staff to move the Division TCP from Saguiaran to right where the live action was – the headquarters of the 103rd Infantry Brigade in Marawi City.

As BGen Bautista and his group approached the outskirts of Marawi, they were immediately greeted by heavy fire from enemy fighters who were already scattered around the city. He was right. Escalation of hostilities was highly possible. The city was crawling with armed men of shady motives out to take advantage of the ensuing huge firefight. 

--NO MAN LEFT BEHIND (2020)

The Plan and The Team

It was on this day...

On May 22, BGen Bautista received a call from Lt Gen Galvez. He was informed that an inbound Intelligence Team from Zamboanga will present an intelligence packet (Intel Packet) containing information that confirms the sighting of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Isnilon Hapilon in a house at Brgy. Basak Malutlot in Marawi City.

This information would significantly change the configuration of all active military operations in the immediate vicinity of Marawi and eventually in Mindanao.

The Intel Team arrived at 10 p.m. from Zamboanga, together with the forces from the Joint Special Operations Unit 3 (JSOU3), Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG), and the 4th Light Reaction Company (4LRC).

After presentation of their Intel Packet, BGen Bautista immediately ordered the team to conduct a mission planning and to present the output to him as soon as it was done. The Intel Team quickly buckled down to work and finished an action plan by 2 a.m., ready for presentation to BGen Bautista. 

All concerns and considerations needed to be taken in and weighed. A thorough planner, BGen Bautista asked the team about the number of expected enemy fighters they were likely to engage. The Team confifirmed about 16 persons in total. 

BGen Bautista asked for the exact position of the priority targets, particularly the high value targets (HVT) in the area to further validate the information on the target’s location. Based on their assessment and on what was indicated in the Intel Packet, the Team confirmed that the targets were in a 3-story, heavily fortified safe house that was made to look like an ordinary house in the area.

BGen Bautista asked the Team if there was a planned-tactical fallback in case the first plan failed or if in case the assault teams were pinned down. The Team gave an ingenious and tactically practical rollover plan as their solution to the said scenarios. All possible angles were deliberated upon. Incisive exchange of ideas during operational planning, especially prior to execution, proved necessary and well-appreciated by every well-meaning operative... 

...Still concerned, BGen Bautista asked for the operation’s timeframe. His other important consideration was the avoidance of collateral damage. As much as possible, he did not want any non-combatant casualty or unnecessary damage to civilian property. The Team replied they intend to complete the mission within 30 minutes, barring unfavorable hitches in the execution.

BGen Bautista understood well the capability of the Team since they were all part of the SOF family. Being a Scout Ranger himself who continuously works with the SOF, he was confident the Team would execute the plan, regardless of the odds.

With all the necessary preparations made, BGen Bautista decided to oversee operations from his TCP in Saguiaran town in Lanao del Sur to give ground commanders enough leeway and for him to have time to attend to other active military operations in his area of responsibility. 

Originally, the assault was to be executed at 8 a.m. on May 23... 

*To be continued...

--NO MAN LEFT BEHIND (2018)

Nomadic Warriors

As the country’s best small unit strike force, especially in jungle warfare, the Scout Rangers are the ‘Kings of the Jungle.’ Give them a mission and it will be accomplished at all costs.

A typical Scout Ranger operation, however, is difficult to describe. It is normally a mixture of various operation types all rolled into one. One thing is sure: Scout Ranger operations come with endless preparation.

Whether or not in actual combat, Scout Rangers love competition and extreme challenges. They are primed to be physically fit and mentally tough at all times so that they are up to task when called upon. The spirit of a winner always shows in the way they accomplish their multi-faceted missions.

Scout Rangers are nomadic warriors. They go where they are ordered to go. They can operate in Luzon today and in Sulu the next day or in any remote area their mission takes them. They have that peculiar privilege of moving around the entire Philippine archipelago in an instant.

Scout Rangers get to places that other soldiers can only dream of – uncharted areas in isolated islands, unspoiled beaches, and mountain forests with bubbling brooks that calm the spirit and evoke memories of long-ago innocence. They meet kind- hearted folk who offer succor and welcome, and occasionally, in dangerous circumstances, face up to hostile elements in life-and- death battles. 

The life of a Scout Ranger is physically, emotionally, and mentally strenuous. It is full of sacrifices which can sometimes tax personal relationships to the point of breaking. One Scout Ranger line unit even got the distinction of being teasingly called the “No time for love” company. Many vied, or are still vying for the title, “Hard to get.” They are real troopers: fun to be with but fearless in battle.

Unlikely, Unwavering Faith

Scout Rangers are undaunted by challenges. Tough lives they may lead from the personal to the professional but Rangers never back out from any challenge. Every day they toughen up and prepare for any obstacle. Being a Scout Ranger is a way of life.

It is common to see troops reading verses from their pocket bibles or other religious reference books before and after combat operations, and during their spare time inside the camp or in their Tactical Command Posts (TCP). Next to being physically prepared and psychologically fit for battle is a Scout Ranger’s commitment to spirituality. They believe that everything they do will fail without the blessing and guidance of God.

One item that is surely found in the backpack of a Scout Ranger is the Bible or a similar Holy Book, whether he or she is in the jungles of Mount Sinumaan in Sulu, the hinterlands of the Sierra Madre in Luzon, the breathtaking terrain of Mount Kitanglad in Northern Mindanao or the treacherous Liguasan Marsh in Central Mindanao.

Faith in the goodness and justice of God binds all Scout Rangers, regardless of religion. Everyone in the team recites in unison Psalm 91 before jump off. To them, the verses in the Psalm is a holy mantra that says the mission is for the people and for God – the Supreme Being which has given them His blessing to fight for good.

Team Cohesion

Scout Rangers always work as one fighting team. The basic seven-man team is the heart and soul of all Scout Ranger units. It is a cohesive team; a product of the countless adversaries they have prevailed over, as well as the fun and adventures they have shared through the years. 

Within the team, a Scout Ranger helps determine each member’s limitations and capabilities, including his or her own. A judicious assessment of each other is paramount to the success of a team since it will be operating on its own for long periods of time.

When a new member joins a team, his teammates treat him like a kid brother who needs utmost attention and guidance. A senior team member is assigned to be a mentor-buddy in order to help the new member adjust to the team.

The newbie is quickly taught basic Scout Ranger tactics and the team’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The mentor- buddy takes the newbie to a number of real patrols to hasten the integration process. The end goal is always to enable the new member to get fully assimilated into the team at the soonest possible time.

After a few weeks, the mentor-buddy will brief his team leader and platoon sergeant on the progress of the new member. From there, the platoon sergeant either puts the newbie into the team or recommends that the new member be sent to another, more suitable team. In most instances, however, the newbie blends easily with his original team’s fighting style.

The Scout Ranger team has an irregular set up. It may be the only group in the AFP which recognizes the philosophy that the person with the highest rank in the team is not necessarily the person- in-charge. The teams can be run by anyone regardless of rank, if deemed capable by the platoon leader.

Fielding an experienced and capable, lower ranking Scout Ranger as team leader is a decision that is always respected by all teams. This viewpoint is grounded in the axiom: Only the team matters, not any individual. Everyone is judged based on performance. The so-called “prima donna syndrome” is rightfully shunned in Scout Ranger teams.

In between missions, Scout Ranger teams remain under the control of their team leaders. The chain of command is kept intact until a re-organization is directed by competent authority. This concept is intended to maintain and enhance teamwork. 

Whatever lull period the team gets is not entirely spent on hibernation. This is usually allotted for training and planning for the next mission. This is a built-in activity and labor of love among Scout Rangers.

--NO MAN LEFT BEHIND (2018) 

War Buddies

At the battle area, Lt Col Yunque continued to direct the troops and the AIFVs to push forward and gain more ground. The strategy was for the troops to control and secure the surrounding buildings before the start of the recovery operations of the four KIAs and two immobilized armored vehicles. It was a pragmatic plan as the area needed to be secured first before letting the recovery party do their task. Failure to secure the area would unnecessarily expose the latter to enemy fire. 

At 8:30 a.m., two sections of 1SRC and 2SRC, under 1Lt "G" and 2Lt "J", respectively, jointly cleared every house until they reached Building 954. Moving tactically, the troops successfully cleared and secured Building 954 as well. They then proceeded to secure the left flank until the most forward unit already had a clear visual of the pinned-down 5MechBn armored vehicles.

As the troops steadily advanced, though slowly, enemy resistance got stronger by the minute. Amid the raging firefight, 2Lt "J" requested for mortar fires to support their movement and provide cover fire against the enemy on their right flank. Being at the left flank of the two immobilized APCs, 2Lt "J’s" team was getting the brunt of enemy fire from the right flank. At that time, they were moving fast and relentlessly making ‘rat holes’ but also became vulnerable as they hurriedly advanced forward to secure the area north of the two APCs.

Cpt "E" immediately relayed the targets to the 15DRC mortar section and within five minutes, three rounds of mortar fire were delivered. The heavy volume of enemy gunfire coming from the right flank of 2Lt "J" subsided for a moment.

At about 3 p.m., the platoons of 2Lt "J" and 1Lt "G" were able to close in on the left flank of the two immobilized armored vehicles. 1Lt "A" of 15DRC also seized another enemy position while 1Lt "MB" of 15SRC fought his way hard to the next building. The two were a tandem in the right flank of the battle site – also advancing northwards.

By this time, enemy fighters positioned atop buildings were throwing Molotovs at the alleyways. They were waiting for the troops to cross alleys so they could ambush them. 15SRC had to use tear gas to flush out the enemy from their positions.

Gunfire, flames, and debris flew as the firefight continued. 15SRC and 15DRC were gaining ground at the right flank while 1SRC and 2SRC bypassed the position of the two immobilized armored vehicles to secure the buildings beyond them and further deny the enemy of good tactical positions. The ground gained by the two companies now set the stage for the recovery of the four KIA 5MechBn personnel and the two immobilized armored vehicles.

1SRB suffered one WIA, Ranger "NB", for the day of fighting. The Rangers were already so close to accomplishing their mission, but they knew more hardships lay ahead.

The death toll in the Battle of Marawi was already at 188. The Palace confirmed that at least 30 civilians, 38 government troops, and 120 terrorists had been killed. 

--NO MAN LEFT BEHIND (2018)

End of the Road

The Rangers’ ordeal in Marawi brings to mind a quote from author Leo Tolstoy: “The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.”

The troops were patient enough to inch their way into the kill zone. However, they didn’t want the battle to drag on either. Those of them who had experienced the September 2013 Zamboanga City Siege thought it had been bad enough to be engaged in urban warfare for two weeks and six days. To their dismay, it looked like the Battle of Marawi, which started on May 23, was going to last much longer. It was technically about to pass the two-week mark already.

For 2SRC’s Ranger "JB", who was born and raised in North Cotabato, the hardest task was to stay strong despite seeing his fellow soldiers hurt. “Masakit para sa akin ang makita sa kasamahan namin na nasusugatan. Ngunit kailangan ko magpakatatag para sa ibang mga kasamahan ko rin na patuloy nakikipaglaban para sa kaayusan ng Marawi at lalo sa mga tao na naghahangad ng kapayapaan at matahimik na Marawi,” he said. [It pained me to see my comrades get hurt. But I needed to steel my resolve for my other comrades who were fighting for the freedom of Marawi and most especially, for the people who wanted peace.”]

About a month before the Battle of Marawi ended, Ranger JB was injured in an IED blast. “Nung September 11, 2017, ako ay nasabugan ng IED. Natamaan ako ngunit hindi naman malala. Habang ako’y nakasakay sa chopper papuntang ospital ay naisip ko, ‘Ganito pala kahirap kapag nasusugatan.’ Ngunit kailangan kong magpakatatag para sa aking mga kasamahan, pamilya, at sa taong nagmamahal sa akin. Habang nasa ospital ako at nagpapagaling ay naisip ko ang aking mga kasamahan kung kumusta na kaya ang sitwasyon nila [On September 11, 2017, I was wounded due to an IED blast. I was hurt but not badly. While I was being flown on a chopper to the hospital I realized how hard it was to be wounded. But I needed to be strong for my comrades, family, and loved ones. I thought about my comrades and their situation in the battlefield while I was recovering in the hospital.]"

Much like Ranger JB, Ranger "RB", who hails from Sultan Kudarat, also got a dose of courage from his fellow Rangers. The private was a newbie in the battlefield. He trained to be a Scout Ranger in 2016. “Halo-halong emosyon ang naramdaman ko noong nalaman ko na ang unit na paparoonan ko ay ang 1st Scout Ranger Battalion na nasa Lanao del Sur. Sabi ko sa sarili ko handa na ako harapin ang buhay na paparoonan ko,” he said. [“I felt mixed emotions when I learned that I would be joining the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion in Lanao del Sur. I told myself that I was ready to face whatever lay ahead of me.”]

Ranger "RB" joined 1SRB on March 2017. This means he had just been with 1SRB for two months when they went to Marawi.

“Sa dami ng pagsubok na aming nadaanan at hinarap. Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng kasamahan ko, lalo na sa Commanding Officer (CO) namin, na natapos ang misyon at isa ang battalion namin sa may pinakakaunting casualty sa loob ng main battle area,” he said. [With all the challenges that we confronted and overcame, I am grateful to my comrades, especially to our Commanding Officer (CO), because we were able to finish our mission, and was among the battalions with the least number of casualties in the main battle area.”]

The Battle Continues

Lt Gen Galvez called a news conference in Marawi.

At the gathering, which was held about a kilometer away from the MBA, Lt Gen Galvez disclosed the reason why the terrorists managed to resist the military for so long. “Even if the terrorists fight for two months, they will not starve here,” he said. 

Lt Gen Galvez went on to state that days before seizing the city of 200,000 people, the militants placed supplies in mosques and madrasas or Islamic religious schools. He added, “They also have underground tunnels and basements that even a 500-pounder (bomb) cannot destroy.”

He likewise confirmed there were ISIS fighters from Chechnya, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen in the mix.

The Reuters report also said that when asked when the Battle of Marawi would end, military officials were “more circumspect” and could not give a definite date.

Bounties

Meanwhile, AFP chief General Año announced that President Duterte was offering a ₱10-million bounty for Isnilon Hapilon and ₱5 million for each of the two Maute brothers. He added that the bounty on Hapilon was on top of the $5-million reward offered by the US government for him.

It may be recalled that in June 2002, Hapilon and four other Abu Sayyaf leaders – Khadaffy Janjalani, Hamsiraji Marusi Sali, Aldam Tilao, and Jainal Antel Sali, Jr. – were indicted in absentia by the US government for their role in various terrorist activities. Among these was the kidnapping of 17 Filipinos and three Americans from the Dos Palmas Resort in Palawan in 2001. One American, Guillermo Sobero, was beheaded. American missionary Martin Burnham and Filipino nurse Ediborah Yap subsequently perished during the attempt to free them.

In February 2006, Hapilon, Janjalani, and Sali were added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list. A $5-million reward was offered for information leading to their capture. Hapilon was the only one alive in 2017.

Over the years, there were speculations that Hapilon had died. These rumors ran rampant especially after he was wounded in an encounter with the military in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.

Throughout the Battle of Marawi, there were also reports that Hapilon had already fled the city. Fortunately, this was not the case. The military finally got him in October 16, 2017 – by troops under Lt Col Montano Almodovar, commander of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion – as the Battle of Marawi drew to a close. Lt Col Almodovar, known to the troops as “Rambo-Six”, is a member of PMA “Bantay-Laya” Class of 1994 and Scout Ranger Class 121- 95.

  

--Chapter 14, NO MAN LEFT BEHIND (2018)

Close Quarter Fighting

At about 6:30 a.m., Ranger "MN", the sniper of the Command Group, reported two confirmed kills. Unfortunately, at about 7:30 a.m., Ranger MN was hit on his leg by enemy sniper fire. Other troop snipers confirmed four enemy fighters killed.

It was also at about 7:30 a.m. when Cpt "C" and 1Lt "G" took advantage of Building 963A and Building 978 in order to support the movement of 15DRC and 15SRC. The enemy fighters were not giving up their currently occupied buildings and were ready to defend those positions at any cost. 1SRC and 2SRC were tasked to provide support by fire to 15SRC and 15DRC. However, numerous IEDs laid out by the enemy in the kill zone prevented 15SRC and 15DRC from easily advancing.

Throughout this time, other Rangers were doing their best to move forward through the houses but breaking down walls took some time because of the presence of enemy fighters on the opposite side of the wall.

“Soldiers had to be careful about breaking down walls because once they had a hole in that wall, some enemy fighters would put the barrel of their guns through those holes and start shooting,” Lt Col Yunque explained. “You had to listen carefully if there was someone on the other side of that wall.”

There were also times when Rangers were the ones who put the barrels of their guns through holes. In some of those instances, the enemy would hit and damage the barrels of the guns with hard objects like hammer and lead pipe.

Lt Col Yunque remarked, “Wall-to-wall ‘yung laban [We fought wall-to-wall]. We were just in a small area pero ang hirap makita lahat ng kalaban [but it was very hard to find all our enemies]. It was unlike anything we encountered before. The fight was brutal. It was close-quarter. It was a brawl – very personal, very intimate – if you may call it that way.” 

--NO MAN LEFT BEHIND (2018/Copy&Share)