(Eagle News)–President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to uphold the sovereignty of the Philippines and protect the freedoms and rights of people.
Duterte issued the statement on Tuesday, April 9, as the country celebrated the Day of Valor.
“As we hold this solemn observance, it is my hope that we will all be inspired to remain steadfast like our forefathers and their allies in upholding our sovereignty and in protecting the rights and freedoms that our people enjoy today,” he said as be recalled the heroism of the “brave Filipino and American soldiers who stood side by side in the mountains and jungles of Bataan in defense of our liberty and democracy.”
“I join our veterans, allies and the rest of the Filipino people in commemorating Araw ng Kagitingan,” Duterte said.
He also urged the country to “remember the countless civilians who aided our forces so they could offer a valiant defense against the overwhelming force of the enemy.”
He said while we “may not be able to memorialize all of them, we will forever remember and honor their epic struggle and unshakeable fortitude.”