FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila–The Philippine Army honors soldiers heroism in commemoration of the National Heroes Day with theme, “Sakripisyo ng Bayaning Pilipino, Handog sa Bayan ay Pagbabago” held today at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng Mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio Taguig City.
In 1952 National Heroes Day was transferred to last Sunday of August and in 2007 to every last Monday of the Month. The Day was brought closer to the commemoration of the outbreak of the revolution against Spaniards which took place on August 23 1986, according to Dr. Rene R Escalante of National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
The event was graced by no less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who led the wreath-laying to honor the extra- ordinary heroism of named and un-named Filipino heroes to repay the seemingly insurmountable gallantry in defense of our freedom and independence of the nation.
In his message, President Duterte said that, “today, we honor our brave troops who sacrificed their lives to defeat communist insurgents, Islamic separatists and other threats to sovereignty, especially those who took part to liberate Marawi”.
Prior to the commemoration, the Commander in Chief, visited the troops at Camp Teodolfo Baustista at Bus-Bus, Jolo Sulu in Mindanao, to honor the sacrifices and recognition of 22 soldiers who had been wounded during the recent encounter in Patikul, Sulu. He commended the Joint Task Force Sulu, for exemplary displaying high sense of patriotism. In return, he personally ensures the soldiers support until such time they will fully recover from the injury.
The Philippine Army led by Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito Bautista is very thankful to President Duterte for extending a helping hand and overwhelming support to the Command. It also includes unwavering care and support to the beneficiaries of the fallen heroes such as, decent job for the housewives and educational support leading to a brighter future for the children.
“Heroism’ is already engrained in every soldier’s heart, its culture of courage inherited from the ancestors were valued by the peace-loving Filipinos”. Bautista, added. #