‘Emulate bravery of Bataan defenders’

MANILA, Philippines — As Filipinos commemorated Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) yesterday, President Marcos called on Filipinos to emulate the bravery and resilience of the country’s heroes during World War II to overcome “foul forces” and other present challenges confronting the nation.

While present challenges are in no way less grave, the President said “foul forces” continue to threaten the country “outside and within,” endangering its hard-fought gains.

“There are times when our struggles seem too complex or too daunting. Still, these are precisely the 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,” Marcos said in his message.

“Thus, on our commemoration of the Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagitingan, let us emulate the bravery, integrity and resilience of the heroes and heroines of Bataan so that, like them, we may emerge triumphant in the trials of our time,” he said.

The President made the remarks in light of China’s repeated harassment of Filipino resupply vessels in Philippine waters.

Marcos led the commemoration of the 82nd anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan at the Mt. Samat National Shrine or Dambana ng Kagitingan in Pilar, Bataan. Among those who joined the President were Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, US embassy Chargé d’affaires Robert Ewing, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Lisa Guerrero Nakpil.

Facing criticisms due to her silence on the continued Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday marked Araw ng Kagitingan by urging Filipinos to remember and take to heart the courage and love of country demonstrated by the heroes who fought during World War II.

“In commemorating the heroic veterans on the 82nd Araw ng Kagitingan, I join the Filipino people in paying tribute to their unmatched sacrifices for the freedom we enjoy today,” Duterte said.

“They are unique examples of courage and love for the country. Their desire to defend the honor