Gov’t agencies to fly PHL flag at half-mast starting Tuesday

All government offices are expected to fly the Philippine flag at half-mast beginning Tuesday, an advisory from the Armed Forces of Philippines stated.

Military camps, meanwhile, will observe this right after Monday’s high noon tribute to the soldiers and civilians killed in Marawi City.

AFP said it is “a symbol of respect and mourning to our fallen men and the civilians who died.”

“All other agencies and offices of the government will have their flags displayed at half-mast starting tomorrow, June 13, the first working day of the week,” the statement added.

Further, the AFP said that the Philippine flag would be flying at half-mast for the rest of the week.

“We ask all Filipinos of all faiths and ethnic groups to say a short prayer for our heroes and innocent victims who perished, for the soldiers and the civilians who are still in the battlefield, and for peace and unity for the Philippines,” it said.

In an interview with reporters, military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. reiterated that the military is determined to finish “this mission for the people of Marawi, for the people of this country, and for the Republic.”

“Today as we celebrate the Independence day, we rededicate ourselves, every member of the Armed Forces, to protect the state and our people from any threats from within and we shall work closely with all sectors who are working to ensure that our freedoms are protected and preserved,” he said.

He said flying the flag at half-mast is a reminder to the people that the freedom they are now enjoying is because of the sacrifices of many Filipinos before them.

“Our Independence Day was not because of anything else but the sacrifice of many Filipinos who live in the past and gave their all to attain the freedom that we now enjoy and the freedom that we must continue to work hard to preserve,” he said. — with Amita Legaspi/ALG/RSJ, GMA News