Marcos: PH honor, peace threatened
PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday called on the Filipinos to emulate the bravery, integrity, and resilience displayed by World War II veterans and heroes to overcome present-day challenges, including threats from “foul forces” within and outside the country.
The President, in “Araw ng Kagitingan” or Day of Valor message, said while Filipinos live in a “completely different age,” the challenges faced by the veterans and today’s generation are “in no way less grave.”
“Foul forces continue to threaten us outside and within, endangering the hard-fought gains we made for our country. There are times when our struggles seem too complex or too daunting. Still, it is precisely during those moments that we must stand by our cherished freedoms and principles, perform our tasks with utmost dedication and diligence, and fight fiercely for a better life and a brighter future,” he said.
The President did not specify the threats but just last month, several Filipinos were hurt after the Chinese ships water-cannoned Filipino vessels in the disputed West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea. The Filipino vessels were on a mission to deliver supplies to troops stationed at the Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre that is anchored at the Ayungin Shoal which is inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
China, which is claiming almost the entire South China Sea, said it was just defending its territory. It continues to harass Philippine resupply missions and has repeatedly used water cannons and caused collision in the West Philippine Sea.
Marcos said the present generation should draw inspiration from the Filipino heroes and the war veterans and follow their legacy by working together to realize the “Bagong Pilipinas” (new Philippines) that the country aspires for.
He added that by emulating the bravery, integrity, and resilience of these heroes and veterans, including those who fought in Bataan during World War II, “we may emerge triumphant in the trials of our time.”
‘NOVEL CHALLENGES’
In Bataan addressing the commemoration of the 82nd anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan at the Mount Samat Shrine in Pilar town, Marcos said the county is facing “novel challenges in varying forms and degrees but with the same existential impact” as those faced by Filipinos in the past.
Marcos said it is not acceptable or just that these threats have physically hurt some Filipinos.
“Some present clear and present threats to our sovereign rights, and in fact have already caused physical harm to our people. Ang mga ito ay hindi katanggap-tanggap. Hindi makatuwiran o makatarungan, lalo na sa panahong ito ng payapang pakikipag-ugnayan ng mga bansa (These are not acceptable, not reasonable or just, especially in this time of peaceful interaction among nations),” he said.
Marcos also said today’s generation should also be inspired by the unbreakable will, unflappable courage, and undying patriotism of nameless Filipino war heroes.
The President reiterated the Philippines must not yield nor back down from any challenge that threatens the peace and the country’s honor and existence.
Marcos said the “spirit that made Bataan stand” cannot and must never fail.
“Ours is a complicated world today, but we must not yield. We must not back down from any and all challenges that seek to threaten our peace, our honor, and our very existence,” he added.
COMMITMENT
During the event, the President led wreath-laying rites along with officials from the Armed Forces, PNP, Department of National Defense, and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, among others.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and United States chargé d’affaires Robert Ewing also offered wreaths at the shrine of unnamed Filipinos and Americans who died during the “Death March” and the Second World War.
The two reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to and alliance with the Philippines amid developments in the Indo-Pacific region.
Endo said Japan is committed to continuously work with the Philippines in the areas of defense, strategic infrastructure, cyber, economic security, and energy.
“Let us seize this moment to reaffirm our commitment as strategic partners and allies and friends in building a future preserving the peace and prosperity in the region. I believe that this is the best tribute we can offer to the souls of those who passed away in the fighting that took place here 82 years ago,” he said.
“We, the Japanese people, are determined to never allow the devastation of war to be repeated ever again for the sake of present and future generations,” he added.
He also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to maintain and strengthen the rules-based international and maritime order amid international conflicts such as those in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the “complex security environment in the Indo-Pacific region including in the East and South China seas and over Taiwan Strait.”
“We must never allow any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force,” he said.
Endo also said Japan is looking forward to the historic and first-ever Japan-Philippines-US summit meeting in Washington this week, adding that the trilateral cooperation serves as a symbol of a shared commitment to promote a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
Ewing said the trilateral summit is expected to advance and strengthen partnership among the three nations “based on deep historical ties, robust economic relationship, a resolute commitment to share democratic values, and a shared vision for free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The President is set to meet with US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington on April 11.
TRIBUTE
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr and AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr paid tribute to Filipino veterans.
In a statement, Teodoro said the defense department salutes the Filipino veterans who “fought for freedom, independence and peace of our country.”
Teodoro said the “commemoration of the bravery, service and sacrifice” of the Filipino veterans fits this year’s theme of “Pagpaparangal sa Kagitingan ng mga Beterano: Saligan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino.”
Teodoro said he hopes the valor of the veterans will serve as an inspiration to unite the people in responding to “current challenges” towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous country.
Brawner, in a separate statement, said, “As we commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan, we honor and pay tribute to the indomitable spirit and unwavering courage of our heroes who valiantly fought for the freedom and liberties we enjoy today.”
Brawner said the military remembers with “profound gratitude” the sacrifices of “our brave soldiers” who he said “gallantly defended our nation’s honor in the face of adversity in past wars and armed conflicts.”
“Their selflessness and commitment to duty serve as an enduring inspiration to all Filipinos, reminding us of the true meaning of valor and patriotism,” he said.
Brawner urged the public not only to “reflect on the sacrifices of the past but also reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, peace, and freedom for which our forefathers fought so valiantly.”
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he salutes the members of the Armed Forces, Coast Guard, and the police who continue to defend the country’s freedom and sovereignty from external and internal threats.
Senate President pro tempore Loren Legarda said the people should never forget the gallantry of the Filipinos who fought the enemies during World War II 82 years ago.
Senate deputy minority leader Risa Hontiveros said Filipinos should “salute” the brave men and women “who defend our national sovereignty and all who protect the West Philippine Sea.”
‘ENCROACHERS’
Speaker Martin Romualdez urged Filipinos to unite and defend the nation against “encroachers.”
“Today, as we pay homage to their (heroes) courage, we must also heed the invaluable lessons they impart. Defending Philippine sovereignty and territory is not merely a historical obligation, it is an ongoing responsibility that demands our unwavering commitment and vigilance,” he said in a statement, without mentioning China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea.
“As the world faces geopolitical complexities and territorial disputes,” he said, “it is crucial that we stand firm in protecting our nation’s borders and asserting our legitimate claims in accordance with international law.”
“We must affirm our sovereignty over our land, seas and airspace, resolutely rejecting any encroachment or infringement upon our territorial integrity,” said Romualdez, a first cousin of President Marcos Jr. who, unlike his predecessor former president Rodrigo Duterte, has taken a stand against China’s bullying.
Romualdez reminded Filipinos that the Day of Valor also means “acknowledging the ongoing battle for freedom from poverty and inequality.”
“Just as our heroes fought for our nation’s physical borders, we must also strive to break the chains of poverty and uplift the less fortunate among us,” he said.
“Our commitment to freedom extends beyond territorial boundaries; it encompasses the liberation of our people from the shackles of poverty, hunger and deprivation. We must stand united in the fight against poverty, extending a helping hand to the less fortunate and empowering them to build better lives for themselves and their families,” he said. — With Victor Reyes, Raymond Africa and Wendell Vigilia
