The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) participated in the celebration of the 124th Independence Day on Sunday, June 12.
A high-speed opener pass was conducted by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) using the FA-50 fighter jets of the 5th Fighter Wing to open the ceremony. The fighter jets were also used in the liberation of Marawi City from Islamic State (ISIS)-inspired terrorists in 2017.
Wreath-laying and flag-raising rites were also conducted at the Luneta Park in Manila headed by President Duterte. He was accompanied by top security and government officials including DND Sec. Delfin Lorenzana; Gen. Andres Centino, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff; and National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairman Rene Escalante among others.
Lorenzana had to be taken to the hospital in the middle of the ceremony after fainting.
Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., PNP officer in charge, attended the rites at Luneta Park while he was represented by Police Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, the deputy chief for administration (TDCA) at the celebration in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The PAF then conducted a fly by exercise using A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, and an AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopter.
“As we look back at the road that led us to the freedom and democracy we enjoy today, we also set our sights on the work that remains to be done to achieve the brighter future our heroes dreamed for us,” Lorenzana said in a statement.
“In this period of transition, may we continue to realize the hopes and dreams of our forefathers for our nation,” he added.
“Kaisa ang AFP ng buong sambayanang Pilipino sa pagdiriwang ng ika-124 na taon ng Araw ng Kalayaan (The AFP is one with the Filipino people in celebrating the 124th Independence Day),” the AFP said in a separate statement.
The theme for this year’s celebration was “Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas (Rise Towards the Challenge of a New Beginning).”
Philippine Rise voyage
In Northern Luzon, Philippine Navy corvette BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) sailed in the Philippine Rise in Isabela province while hoisting the Philippine flag as a symbol of the country’s sovereignty in the maritime area.
“The maritime patrol over our Philippine Rise signifies our patriotic ownership over the country’s maritime area, and to optimize our maritime entitlements within our country’s sovereign territory,” said Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM).
West Philippine Sea
In Kalayaan Island Group, Palawan, the Western Command (WESCOM) held a flag-raising ceremony
“This Independence Day, we render our snappiest salute to the children, men and women of Pagasa who remained in the island despite the security and safety risks from other claimant countries, and of natural disasters. Your presence in our farthest occupied territory is in itself a great display of heroism,” said Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, WESCOM commander.
'Police heroes'
For his part, PNP OIC Danao paid tribute to all police personnel who served in the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic and in the national and local elections last May, calling them a "new breed of heroes."
“Nararapat na patuloy nating gampanan ang ating tungkulin at maging kaakibat ng pamahalaan sa pagtahak ng isang maunlad at progresibong Pilipinas. Ang kagitingan at kadakilaan na ating ipinapakita sa araw-araw nating paglilingkod sa taumbayan na nagdadala ng karangalan sa ating ahensya, ay hindi kailanman matutumbasan ng anumang materyal na bagay (We should continue to perform our duties and become a partner of the government towards a progressive Philippines. The bravery and greatness that we show to the people in our daily duties bring honor to our organization, and this can never be measured by any material thing),” Danao said.