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)