On the occasion of Araw ng Kagitingan, April 9, Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to defend the honor and sovereignty of the Philippines.
In his speech during the 76th Day of Valor, Duterte honored the Filipinos who sacrificed their lives in the Bataan Death March.
The President added that Filipinos today should show the same courage and the same stance that the heroes of Bataan elicited in defending the country.
“We owe it to our forefathers to demonstrate the same courage and valor that sustained their gallant stand more than seven decades ago,” Duterte said, adding that, “Countless lives were lost during this dark chapter in our history to ensure that our people may pursue their endeavors freely.”
“Forces who wish to see a weak and submissive Philippines continues in their unbridled disrespect for the institutions and laws that embody our aspirations as a people,” Duterte told during his speech.
This, the president said, should inspire Filipinos to remember the courage of those who have defended the country in the past.
“Resist any affront to our dignity and inviolable rights as a free, sovereign and independent nation,” Duterte said.
