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Duterte says it is our duty to defend PH’s honor
FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers a message during the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) 1st Quarter 2018 Command Conference and Sergeants Major Forum at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City on April 7, 2018. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
In observance of the 76th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) also known as Bataan Day this April 9, Monday, the President pointed out that part the Filipinos’ obligation is to defend the honor protected by the heroes.
“It is our sacred duty and obligation to defend the honor of our motherland. We owe it to our forefathers to demonstrate the same courage and valor that sustained their gallant stand more than seven decades ago,” President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said in a statement.
“Let the spirit of Bataan inspire us to resist any affront to our dignity and inviolable rights as a free, sovereign, and independent nation,” he added.
Duterte said that he is one with the Filipino people in this commemoration of the heroes in Bataan.
“Seventy-six years have passed since Filipino and American troops fought side by side in defense of our democratic way of life. Immeasurable sweat, blood, and tears were shed and countless lives were lost during this dark chapter in our history to ensure that our people may pursue their endeavors freely,” Duterte continued.
However, the President connected the celebration to today’s age, noting how “disquieting” the similiraties of the past and present.
“It is thus disquieting that our commemoration of this historic occasion comes at a time when the very freedoms of the heroes of Bataan are fought for are once again imperiled,” he said.
“Forces who wish to see a weak and submissive Philippines continue in their unbridled disrespect for institutions and laws that embody our aspirations as a people,” Duterte added.
The President did not drop any names or form of identification to whom he was referring to in his Day of Valor message.
Araw ng Kagitingan is a memorial day for the fallen Filipino and American soldiers who fought for the fall of Bataan during World War II in April 9, 1942 against the Japanese army. This holiday also gives tribute to the more than 76,000 soldiers that Major General Edward P. King surrendered to the Japanese.
These soldiers were forced to walk the infamous Bataan Death March where approximately more than 10,000 died of starvation, dehydration, untreated wounds and disease, and heat exhaustion. Some of these prisoners of war were executed for not being able to keep up with the march or were lucky enough to escape.
