The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) joins the country in commemorating “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) today, April 9, by paying tribute to the bravery displayed by Filipino soldiers in Bataan and Corregidor during World War II.
"Ang kanilang katapangan, sakripisyo, at kahandaang mag-alay ng buhay ay patuloy na nagsisilbing inspirasyon sa mga kasalukuyang bayani ng ating bayan, (Their courage, sacrifice, and willingness to sacrifice their lives continue to inspire the current heroes of our nation)," the CHR said.
On April 9, 1942, Maj. Gen. Edward P. King Jr. surrendered more than 76,000 soldiers -- 64,000 Filipinos and 12,000 Americans -- to the Japanese.
Records show the soldiers, already weakened due to starvation and diseases, were even made to endure the 140-kilometer Bataan Death March to Camp O'Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. Thousands died along the way due to dehydration, heat, and random execution by the Japanese.
The Philippines declared April 9 of every year as Bataan Day in 1961. It was only in June 1987 that Executive Order No. 203 referred to the April 9 holiday as “Araw ng Kagitingan.”