Push back vs aggression, Marcos urges Filipinos

IMPORTANT GUESTS War veterans and their kin attend the 82nd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) commemoration at Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan, on Tuesday. President Marcos called them the occasion’s “most important guests.” MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

PILAR, BATAAN, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called on Filipinos not to allow themselves to be subdued by external forces and to learn from the lessons of valor left by the country’s soldiers who fought to the end in repulsing invading Japanese forces during World War II.

In his speech during the commemoration of the 82nd Day of Valor at the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) here, the President reminded Filipinos to be on constant guard to thwart attempts to rob them of the freedom that the country’s war heroes fought and died for.

“Eighty-two years on, our nation remains confronted with novel challenges, in varying forms and degrees, but with the same existential impact. Some portend clear and present threats to our sovereign rights, and in fact have already caused physical harm to our people,” he said.

READ: On Day of Valor, PH military asks Filipinos to unite vs threats

“Like what our forefathers displayed, we cannot allow [ourselves] to be subdued or be persecuted, especially within the confines of our own domain,” the President noted.

Vice President Sara Duterte also joined Filipinos in commemorating the event, which she said should be a day to remember the heroism of the country’s veterans that led to the “freedom that we have right now.”

Ongoing responsibility

“They are great examples of bravery and love for the country,” Duterte said in her video message. “Their desire to defend the honor and integrity of our country in the time of war is an inspiration that we should all look up to and preserve.”

Lawmakers led by Speaker Martin Romualdez also called on Filipinos to help defend the nation’s sovereignty amid China’s increasing aggression over the disputed West Philippine Sea.

READ: Senators hail Filipinos still ‘bravely fighting’ for freedom

Romualdez said the occasion was an “opportunity for all Filipinos to reflect on the courage and bravery of our forebears who defended our freedom during the darkest chapters of our history.”

“Today, as we pay homage to their 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.

He stressed that Filipinos must “stand firm in protecting our nation’s borders and asserting our legitimate claims in accordance with international law” and “affirm our sovereignty over our land, seas and airspace, resolutely rejecting any encroachment or infringement upon our territorial integrity.”

The calls come amid China’s relentless assaults against Philippine Coast Guard vessels on resupply missions and patrols over the West Philippine Sea recently.

Threats to peace

The President again led this year’s commemoration on scenic Mt. Samat where Filipino soldiers fought side by side with American forces, that supposedly delayed the advance of the invading Japanese forces and allowed the Allied forces to buy time to prepare for a counteroffensive.

Also known as Araw ng Kagitingan celebrated every April 9, the date commemorates the sacrifices made by Filipino and American soldiers during World War II, particularly during the Fall of Bataan to Japanese forces in 1942.

“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,” Marcos said. “And as fate would have it, the battle was initially lost, but the war would eventually be won.”

Tuesday’s event was highlighted by a somber wreath-laying ceremony at the shrine with Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and Robert Ewing, deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Manila, that was followed by a 21-gun salute.

In his speech, Marcos reminded Filipinos that the yearly remembrance pays tribute to the heroism of the country’s soldiers even in these modern times.

“It serves as a constant reminder of our singular purpose toward the future as one nation, supported by like-minded allies in this postwar, rules-based international order,” the President pointed out.

‘Unacceptable, unjust’

China continues to patrol Filipino fisherfolk’s traditional fishing grounds and carry out aggressive maneuvers within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

“These incidents are unacceptable and unjust, especially in this era of peaceful diplomatic ties among nations,” the President said.

He called on Filipinos to leverage the lessons of the Battle of Bataan to safeguard the nation.

“May we all draw a higher sense of awareness, courage and determination. Most of all, may this event serve to solidify our unity and patriotism,” he said.

He cited how this historic event showed Filipino soldiers’ resolve as they had to further suffer during the Death March even after surrendering on their home soil.

“May we all be inspired by their unbreakable will, unflappable courage, and undying patriotism. The spirit that made Bataan stand cannot and must never fail,” he said.

But for opposition lawmaker and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, it was difficult to defend the nation’s sovereignty “when you have leaders who prioritize foreign interests and who play deaf to the pleas of the Filipino nation.”