By Francis Wakefield
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has called on all Filipinos to rally behind the government to once and for all end the local communist insurgency in the country.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (Office of the Secretary of National Defense / MANILA BULLETIN) (Photo: Joseph Vidal/PRIB/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Lorenzana made the call in his message to the Filipino people as part of the country's 121st Independence Day celebration.
In a statement, Lorenzana said in the spirit of nationalism, he is also calling on every Filipino to safeguard the freedom that our ancestors fought for; the very freedom we have sworn to protect.
"Let us rally behind our government to end local communist armed conflict to eradicate the flaw of a foreign ideology that has inflicted division in our Motherland for decades," Lorenzana said.
"We will show the world what true Filipinos are: a disciplined, patriotic race, with an ever burning sense of duty, ready to defend our nation against threats and foes. We may be a nation of scattered islands, but together, we stand as one," he added.
The defense chief said as we also commemorate our 121st Independence Day, may we never forget the valiant sacrifices of our defenders and our veterans, who fought and protected our nation and people.
"We pay tribute to our soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, airwomen, reservists, and civilian volunteers who relentlessly guard our seas, lands, and air, and who tirelessly keep our communities safe. Maligayang Araw ng Kasarinlan, Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino!," he added.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. assured that the AFP will continue to work tirelessly and selflessly in securing our nation’s freedom and independence.
In his statement on Independence Day, Madrigal said the Filipino soldier is always ready and willing to make sacrifices to protect the interests of the people.
"For many decades, thousands of soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that citizens have a peaceful and secure environment conducive to national development," Madrigal said.
"As we continue to draw courage and inspiration from all Filipinos, we call on them to treasure our independence and use their freedom to develop themselves as productive members of our society," he added
Madrigal said security after all is a shared responsibility and the best way to repay the sacrifices of our national and modern heroes is to be responsible and active in protecting our freedom.
"We encourage every Filipino to actively participate in protecting our country and making our communities safe. Let us all take pride in our freedom not only during the celebration of our Independence but in every waking moment that we have as Filipinos," he said.