FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila- The Philippine Army led by Major General Robert M. Arevalo, Vice Commander led the commemoration rites of 155th Birth Anniversary of Andres Bonifacio held here Friday, November 30, 2018 with the theme “Tapang Sakripisyo at Pagbabago”.
Historically, Andres Bonifacio is the “Father of Revolution” who founded the “Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galang, Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK),” also known as the Nucleus of the first “National Army”, which today, became the modern-day Philippine Army. They fought against Spanish colonial rule, in a form of revolt known as “Cry of Pugad Lawin” in Balintawak on Aug. 26, 1896.
Maj. Gen. Arevalo, the Guest of Honor and Speaker also led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Andres Bonifacio Monument in front of HPA flag pole together with Brig. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr., Acting Chief of Staff, Mr. Emeterio A. Ornido Jr, Army Chief Historian, and other officers and enlisted personnel and civilian employees of the command.
The objective of this event is to remind the Filipino people on the legacy and sacrifices of both known and unknown Filipino revolutionary heroes. Further, it aims not just to honor but rather to learn valuable lessons of patriotism, gallantry, and integrity that is worthy to emulate similar to the culture of heroism.
Maj. Gen. Arevalo said that “in today’s commemoration, let us include in our remembrance, our brave troops who gallantly sacrificed their lives to defeat terrorists groups, communist insurgents, Islamic separatists and other threats to our sovereignty, especially those who took part in the successful liberation of Marawi from the clutches of terrorism and extremism”.
“Let us all march forward in realizing the dream of being the agile and responsive army that the Filipino people deserve,” Maj. Gen. Arevalo.added.
The Philippine Army at all times strive for excellence by adopting positive change through its Army transformation as an agent of peace, leading to the betterment of our people and our nation.#