Duterte calls on Pinoys to ‘defend the honor of the motherland’

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday strongly urged the public to honor the heroism of those who had offered their lives during the Bataan Death March, as it was a sacrifice that brought freedom to all Filipinos.

In his message which commemorated the 76th Day of Valor, Duterte emphasized that it was "our sacred duty and obligation to defend the honor of our motherland."

"We owe it to our forefathers to demonstrate the same courage and valor that sustained their gallant stand more than seven decades ago," the President added.

Duterte stressed that "countless lives were lost during this dark chapter in our history to ensure that our people may pursue their endeavors freely."

He deemed as "disquieting" the present observance of the historic event as it came at a time when the "very freedoms that the heroes of Bataan fought for are once again imperiled."

"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 said.

The Chief Executive said the spirit of the historic should inspire every Filipino to "resist any affront to our dignity and inviolable rights as a free, sovereign and independent nation."

Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs chief Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Garcia, meanwhile, said in a statement that the military salutes all soldiers in the country, including war veterans.

He said the "heroism and ideals of our world war veterans will always be inculcated in the minds of our current soldiers who exhibit in their own actions the same fervor and willingness to defend our country and our people."

"We remember the sacrifices of our veterans, their bravery, and their selfless dedication to the country's defense. Through their gallantry, we were able to show the determination of Filipinos to stand against overwhelming odds," he said.

"We also salute our current crop of Filipino soldiers whose courage and selfless service have been proven in recent events against terrorists and violent extremists," he added.

The Philippine National Police also joined in giving honor to Filipinos soldiers "who gave their lives and treasure so that we may all live in peace and freedom."

"We pay respect to the heroes whose lives were sacrificed and whose blood was poured during the war in an unbroken tradition of a true Filipino valor thirsting  for freedom," PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao said in a statement. —Anna Felicia Bajo and Marlly Rome Bondoc/DVM/KG, GMA News