#173 - RFA Interview:
Commanding General (Chief) of Philippine Army,
Gen. Rolando (Rolly) Bautista (March 2018)
Gen. Rolly Bautista talks about liberating Marawi from terrorism to bring peace, freedom and unity to the region with the support of local Muslim groups. He also warmly praises Australia as a good friend of the Philippines for its technical intelligence assistance.
Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Gen. Rolando (Rolly) Joselito Delizo Bautista is a seasoned military commander who has proven himself in peace time and in battle.
He was recently the commander of the Philippine Army's 1st Infantry Division during the recent fight in 2017 to liberate Marawi City in Mindanao from ISIS international terrorists along with southern Philippine ISIS-inspired terrorists who had taken control of the city. During a visit to the Philippine Embassy of Australia in Canberra this week, Gen. Rolly Bautista shared his experience as the commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi. He shed light on the courage and sacrifice of Filipino soldiers during the military campaign. His delivery was very professional and informative, with a humble, quietly spoken persona combined with a very determined and focused patriotic spirit for his national homeland. Gen. Bautista mentioned that he also gave a more detailed military presentation to senior Australian military officials and other personnel at Australian command headquarters. Gen. Bautista developed an excellent rapport with the Australian military during his visit, further strengthening good bilateral ties. |
The liberation of Marawi City is considered one of the most successful campaigns in the history of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Gen. Rolly Bautista is proud of his soldiers' great efforts.
He sees this as a fight between civilised Filipino nationhood preserving patriotic national unity through the protection of diversity for all cultures and religions against the forces of terrorists who wish to sow hate, division and destruction. |
Photo above left: Gen. Bautista talking to an audience of embassy, military and community members at the Philippine Embassy of Australia in Canberra, 07th March 2018.
Photo above right: A slide from the presentation provided by Gen. Bautista at the Philippine Embassy of Australia, 07th March 2018.
Photo above right: A slide from the presentation provided by Gen. Bautista at the Philippine Embassy of Australia, 07th March 2018.
Photos above: Commander General (Chief) of the Philippine Army, Gen. Rolando Bautista is considered an action man who leads from the front. He has earned the great respect of his troops.
Gen. Bautista points out that this is not a religious conflict and that the majority of Islamic groups in Marawi supported the job that the Philippine military did. In fact they were very grateful to the AFP for restoring their peace and freeing them from the grip of terrorism. Many significant local Islamic groups in Marawi declared a fatwa against the terrorists and did not provide them any assistance. Thus, the Philippine army won their hearts and minds in its patriotic mission to liberate the city. Gen. Bautista explained that one of the reasons that the war dragged on longer than it could have was because the AFP was determined not to destroy mosques which the terrorists were using as their headquarters and logistical bases of operation. He also states that the terrorists seriously underestimated the strong resolve of the AFP to liberate the city.
Now that the AFP has won the battle of Marawi, Gen. Bautista talks about how the Philippines will help Marawi rebuild a new modern city centre.
Gen. Bautista points out that this is not a religious conflict and that the majority of Islamic groups in Marawi supported the job that the Philippine military did. In fact they were very grateful to the AFP for restoring their peace and freeing them from the grip of terrorism. Many significant local Islamic groups in Marawi declared a fatwa against the terrorists and did not provide them any assistance. Thus, the Philippine army won their hearts and minds in its patriotic mission to liberate the city. Gen. Bautista explained that one of the reasons that the war dragged on longer than it could have was because the AFP was determined not to destroy mosques which the terrorists were using as their headquarters and logistical bases of operation. He also states that the terrorists seriously underestimated the strong resolve of the AFP to liberate the city.
Now that the AFP has won the battle of Marawi, Gen. Bautista talks about how the Philippines will help Marawi rebuild a new modern city centre.
Photo above: Commanding General Bautista during an RFA interview, 7th March 2018 at the Philippine Embassy of Australia, with the Australian Parliament House on Capital Hill and the Prime Minister of Australia's residence in the background window.
|
Forums such as the one at the Philippine Embassy of Australia, as well as this interview with RFA, offer the AFP an opportunity to reach out to the substantial Filipino community abroad, to provide a context and deeper understanding of the situation in Marawi City.
The global Filipino diaspora, one of the world's largest, is considered to be approximately 12 million people, and this is much larger when also considering Filipinos of full and part descent born outside the Philippines. A significant amount of this global diaspora is in addition to an internal Philippine population of more than 100 million people spread across its more than 7,000 tropical islands. |
During the RFA interview Gen. Bautista outlined the details of the Marawi operation, and also made special mention of the Australian government's help, particularly in regard to technology and intelligence which he described as a "game changer".
Gen. Bautista is very grateful to Australia for this assistance as Australia and the Philippines continue to develop closer ties and friendship in the fight against the global terrorist scourge that affects all countries in different ways.
Gen. Bautista is very grateful to Australia for this assistance as Australia and the Philippines continue to develop closer ties and friendship in the fight against the global terrorist scourge that affects all countries in different ways.
Photo above: Smoke billowing from downtown Marawi City during one of the intense battles between the Philippine military and terrorists who were both foreign ISIS fighters and local ISIS-inspired.
Photo below: The Philippine military dispatched hijab-wearing female soldiers to the front line in Marawi city. This demonstrated the sensitivities and respect that the Philippine military displayed towards the culture and religion of Marawi citizens who are their fellow Filipino brothers and sisters.
Photo below: The Philippine military dispatched hijab-wearing female soldiers to the front line in Marawi city. This demonstrated the sensitivities and respect that the Philippine military displayed towards the culture and religion of Marawi citizens who are their fellow Filipino brothers and sisters.
Photo above: A high speed military patrol boat on Lake Lanao, Marawi City, where the Maranao people live, which means "People of the Lake". This is one of the greatest, most beautiful and ancient inland lakes in the Philippines.
Photo below: Philippine troops patrolling the streets of Marawi City during the liberation battle.
Photo below: Philippine troops patrolling the streets of Marawi City during the liberation battle.
Photo above: Map of Marawi City showing the main areas of fighting.
Photo below: Destruction in Marawi with a sign on the shoreline pointing towards the city, and reading in reverse from the lake saying "I love Marawi".
Photo below: Destruction in Marawi with a sign on the shoreline pointing towards the city, and reading in reverse from the lake saying "I love Marawi".
Photo below: A 3D map of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao, Southern Philippines.
Pop Song "Saludo" Tribute to the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
This video pop song tribute to heroes, including those in the Philippine military, called "Saludo" (Salute), captures
the spirit and pride of the Philippine military in their patriotic service to their nation.
(English text translation of Filipino Tagalog song provided below)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
This video pop song tribute to heroes, including those in the Philippine military, called "Saludo" (Salute), captures
the spirit and pride of the Philippine military in their patriotic service to their nation.
(English text translation of Filipino Tagalog song provided below)
Tagalog to English Translation of "Saludo" by Quest
Verse 1
Ito ang alay ko, ito ang istorya mo- This is my offering, this is your story
Alamat na kailangan makilala ng buong mundo- The world should know about this legend
Isang pagpupugay, kailangan ipagdiwang- Let’s celebrate, let’s salute
Pasasalamat at ika'y isinilang- Be thankful for your life
Di pangkaraniwang para siyang superhero- It’s extraordinary, like a superhero
Hinarap lahat ng pagsubok yung iba hindi biro- He faced all tribulations, no mean feat
Meron siyang misyon kaya walang takot sumabak- He has a mission, he is fearless
Mga buhay na nakasalalay sa kanyang pangarap- All these lives depend on his dreams
Parang pelikula, action, adventure, drama- Like a movie-action, adventure, drama
May konting comedy, love story na pang masa- And a bit of comedy, a common love story
Galing sa wala akala mo talo na tapos,- From nothing so you would think it’s all over
Yun pala sya yung bida kaya lahat sila paos- But then he became a hero and everyone was stunned
Kasisigaw, kahihiyaw selebrasyon- Yell it out, yell out in celebration
Buong mundo magtataka, kakaibang okasyon- The whole world wonders, a different celebration
Itaas ang kamay sumigaw ng hoy (hoy)- Put your hands up and yell, oi oi
Ito ang araw mo, bayaning pinoy- This is your day, Filipino hero
Chorus
SALUDO- Salute
SA MGA BIDA NA TUNAY NA NAGPAKITA NG HUSAY DITO SA LIGA NG BUHAY- Heroes in real life who showed greatness in life
SALUDO- Salute
MGA KAMPEON, MGA DAKILANG HINDI SUMUKO, DI NAGPAALILA- Champions who did not surrender, never been slaves
SALUDO-Salute
SA INSPIRASYON, KARAGDAGANG LAKAS- To the inspiration a new strength
SALAMAT DUMAAN KAYO SA TAMANG LANDAS- You went through the right path
SALUDO-Salute
KAMI SA INYO AY SALUDO, SALUDO- We salute you, we do
Verse 2
Walang balak sumuko, walang planong gumuho- No plans of surrender, it will not crumble
Tagumpay lang, walang iba binigay nya buong puso- Only success, nothing else, he gave wholeheartedly
Hinarap lahat ng tuso, pati mga abuso- He faced the sly, even abuses
Nanatiling tapat sa pangarap hanggang naging uso- He remained faithful to his dreams until they became the norm
Ang buhay positibo, agresibo mismo- A positive life, aggressive indeed
Kaya pinarangalan syang Bayaning Pilipino- Thus he was proclaimed, a Filipino hero
Taas noo kahit pango di na bigo di nalito di huminto- Keep chin up regardless of nose - you didn’t fail, you didn’t stop
Inabot nya ang ginto- He reached gold
Ngayon tahimik na lahat ng kritiko- Now all the critics are silent
Bukang bibig na rin nila ang mga hirit mo- They themselves parrot you
Hanggan nag-trending, ang daming likes, di na makalimutan- It became the trend, so many likes, no one forgets
Front page, headlines, hanggang sa kanto laman ng kwentuhan- It became the front page, the headline, the talk everywhere
Pagasa'y pinagsaluhan, pero di naubusan,- We partook of the hope, but it didn’t diminish
Binigay ng lubusan, hanggang sa huling hantungan- You gave it your all, down to the finish line
Buhay na buhay, walang humpay- It is so alive, it doesn’t stop
Tagumpay,- Success
[Chorus]
Bridge
Sabi daw walang pagasa pero tinapos- They say, there is no hope, but you got there
Sabi daw imposible pero di pa rin natakot- They say it’s impossible but you were undeterred
Sabi nila mahirap pero nag pursige- They say, it’s hard but you persevered
Kaya ngayon lahat sila sige lang sige- So now, all of them just say, go, go on
Nung lahat umurong, siya sumugod- When everyone backed out, you forged through
Nung lahat lumubog, siya ‘di nalunod- When everyone drowned, you didn’t
Natutong maglakad sa tubig pananampalataya- You learned how to walk the water of faith
Diyos ang kanyang agimat kaya walang hindi kaya- God is your amulet, thus, there’s nothing you can’t do
Saludo- Salute
Paglaki ko gusto ko maging katulad mo- When I grow up, I want to be like you
Saludo- Salute
Maipagmamalaki sa buong mundo- I can be proud in the whole world
Saludo- Salute
Ikaw ang dahilan kung bat hindi ako susuko- You’re the reason I don’t surrender
Saludo- Salute
Taus pusong pasasalamat, isa kang alamat- A heartfelt thank you, You're a legend
Verse 1
Ito ang alay ko, ito ang istorya mo- This is my offering, this is your story
Alamat na kailangan makilala ng buong mundo- The world should know about this legend
Isang pagpupugay, kailangan ipagdiwang- Let’s celebrate, let’s salute
Pasasalamat at ika'y isinilang- Be thankful for your life
Di pangkaraniwang para siyang superhero- It’s extraordinary, like a superhero
Hinarap lahat ng pagsubok yung iba hindi biro- He faced all tribulations, no mean feat
Meron siyang misyon kaya walang takot sumabak- He has a mission, he is fearless
Mga buhay na nakasalalay sa kanyang pangarap- All these lives depend on his dreams
Parang pelikula, action, adventure, drama- Like a movie-action, adventure, drama
May konting comedy, love story na pang masa- And a bit of comedy, a common love story
Galing sa wala akala mo talo na tapos,- From nothing so you would think it’s all over
Yun pala sya yung bida kaya lahat sila paos- But then he became a hero and everyone was stunned
Kasisigaw, kahihiyaw selebrasyon- Yell it out, yell out in celebration
Buong mundo magtataka, kakaibang okasyon- The whole world wonders, a different celebration
Itaas ang kamay sumigaw ng hoy (hoy)- Put your hands up and yell, oi oi
Ito ang araw mo, bayaning pinoy- This is your day, Filipino hero
Chorus
SALUDO- Salute
SA MGA BIDA NA TUNAY NA NAGPAKITA NG HUSAY DITO SA LIGA NG BUHAY- Heroes in real life who showed greatness in life
SALUDO- Salute
MGA KAMPEON, MGA DAKILANG HINDI SUMUKO, DI NAGPAALILA- Champions who did not surrender, never been slaves
SALUDO-Salute
SA INSPIRASYON, KARAGDAGANG LAKAS- To the inspiration a new strength
SALAMAT DUMAAN KAYO SA TAMANG LANDAS- You went through the right path
SALUDO-Salute
KAMI SA INYO AY SALUDO, SALUDO- We salute you, we do
Verse 2
Walang balak sumuko, walang planong gumuho- No plans of surrender, it will not crumble
Tagumpay lang, walang iba binigay nya buong puso- Only success, nothing else, he gave wholeheartedly
Hinarap lahat ng tuso, pati mga abuso- He faced the sly, even abuses
Nanatiling tapat sa pangarap hanggang naging uso- He remained faithful to his dreams until they became the norm
Ang buhay positibo, agresibo mismo- A positive life, aggressive indeed
Kaya pinarangalan syang Bayaning Pilipino- Thus he was proclaimed, a Filipino hero
Taas noo kahit pango di na bigo di nalito di huminto- Keep chin up regardless of nose - you didn’t fail, you didn’t stop
Inabot nya ang ginto- He reached gold
Ngayon tahimik na lahat ng kritiko- Now all the critics are silent
Bukang bibig na rin nila ang mga hirit mo- They themselves parrot you
Hanggan nag-trending, ang daming likes, di na makalimutan- It became the trend, so many likes, no one forgets
Front page, headlines, hanggang sa kanto laman ng kwentuhan- It became the front page, the headline, the talk everywhere
Pagasa'y pinagsaluhan, pero di naubusan,- We partook of the hope, but it didn’t diminish
Binigay ng lubusan, hanggang sa huling hantungan- You gave it your all, down to the finish line
Buhay na buhay, walang humpay- It is so alive, it doesn’t stop
Tagumpay,- Success
[Chorus]
Bridge
Sabi daw walang pagasa pero tinapos- They say, there is no hope, but you got there
Sabi daw imposible pero di pa rin natakot- They say it’s impossible but you were undeterred
Sabi nila mahirap pero nag pursige- They say, it’s hard but you persevered
Kaya ngayon lahat sila sige lang sige- So now, all of them just say, go, go on
Nung lahat umurong, siya sumugod- When everyone backed out, you forged through
Nung lahat lumubog, siya ‘di nalunod- When everyone drowned, you didn’t
Natutong maglakad sa tubig pananampalataya- You learned how to walk the water of faith
Diyos ang kanyang agimat kaya walang hindi kaya- God is your amulet, thus, there’s nothing you can’t do
Saludo- Salute
Paglaki ko gusto ko maging katulad mo- When I grow up, I want to be like you
Saludo- Salute
Maipagmamalaki sa buong mundo- I can be proud in the whole world
Saludo- Salute
Ikaw ang dahilan kung bat hindi ako susuko- You’re the reason I don’t surrender
Saludo- Salute
Taus pusong pasasalamat, isa kang alamat- A heartfelt thank you, You're a legend