Duterte on ‘Araw ng Kagitingan’: Uphold PH sovereignty
Credit to Author: CATHERINE S. VALENTE, TMT| Date: Tue, 09 Apr 2019 05:13:40 +0000
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday urged Filipinos to uphold the country’s sovereignty and protect the people’s rights and freedoms.
In a speech during the observance of the 77th year of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), Duterte paid respects to Filipino and United States (US) forces who lost their lives during the war against Japan on April 9, 1942, and the subsequent Long March, in Bataan to defend the Philippines’ democracy,
“I join our veterans, allies and the rest of the Filipino people in commemorating Araw ng Kagitingan. Today, we remember the heroism of the brave Filipino and American soldiers who stood side by side in the mountains and jungles of Bataan in defense of our liberty and democracy,” Duterte said.
“We also remember the countless civilians who aided our forces so they could offer a valiant defense against the overwhelming force of the enemy. We may not be able to memorialize all of them, but we will forever remember and honor their epic struggle and unshakeable fortitude,” he said.
The President then urged the public to always remain committed in “upholding our sovereignty” and in “protecting the rights and freedom” Filipinos enjoy today.
“As we hold this solemn observance, it is my hope that we will all be inspired to remain steadfast like our forefathers and their allies in upholding our sovereignty and in protecting the rights and freedoms that our people enjoy today,” he said.
“May we all have a meaningful celebration,” the President said.
Araw ng Kagitingan is a day when US and Filipino troops fought side by side against the Japanese invasion and protected the country’s sovereignty in the Battle of Batan.
Philippine history also highlights today the tragic “Bataan Death March” where thousands of Filipino troops and hundreds of American soldiers died in the walk from Bataan to Tarlac.
This year, Duterte will again skip the annual commemoration rites in Mt. Samat, Bataan, and will instead lead its commemoration in Jolo, Sulu.
Malacañang said Duterte would lead the ceremony at Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Headquarters in Barangay Busbus on Tuesday afternoon.
Last year, the President did not also attend the commemoration rites in Mount Samat in Bataan because he flew to China to attend a business forum.
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