Bravery of Filipinos in WWII to inspire Covid-19 front-liners

FILE: Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (Jan 6, 2020). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – The bravery of Filipino troops in the front lines of Bataan during World War II 78 years ago is an inspiration to present-day heroes in containing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak, the country’s military chief said Thursday.

“It is very timely that the Day of Valor is being commemorated in a period where our country is at war against an unconventional enemy which is the deadly coronavirus disease. Today, we shall reflect on how our forebears showed extraordinary heroism, ardent patriotism, and selflessness, and seek to find within each of us the will to carry on in this modern warfare,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., in a statement sent to reporters as the country commemorates Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).

Santos said every present-day soldier, airman, sailor, and marine continues to draw strength from the sacrifices made by heroes in the past to achieve peace and security for the country.

“Our veterans bestowed to our generation the treasure of a peaceful life and it is up to us to continue fighting for it,” he added.

With courage and determination, Santos said all Filipino soldiers manifest the same resolve to win over all kinds of battle not only against the dreaded disease but also against the virus of the communist terrorist group, local terrorist group, and other enemies of the state.

“For this, the AFP salutes our modern-day heroes who continue to fight as one in the name of patriotism and the undeniable love for humanity. Let us continue to work hand in hand, confident that we will emerge triumphant as one nation against any kind of crisis,” he added.