PRO 13 chief on 81st 'Araw ng Kagitingan': Reflect, learn from history
CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City - Speaking before a multitude of police officers during the observance of ‘Araw ng Kagitingan’ (The Day of Valor) here on Monday, April 10, Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) Regional Director, P/Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra ll stressed the importance of reflecting and learning from the country's history.
Previously called Bataan Day, the day is now known as Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagitingan, which commemorates both the Fall of Bataan (April 9, 1942) and the Fall of Corregidor (May 6, 1942).
This year’s theme, ‘Kagitingan ng mga Beterano, Pundasyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino,’ aimed to remember the veterans whose heroism became the very foundation of the country’s freedom.
Members of the command group and regional staff, chiefs of the national support units, and other uniformed and non-uniformed personnel attended the flag-raising ceremony and witnessed the wreath-laying ceremony at the PRO13 Law Enforcement Memorial Site.
“The surrender of Filipino and American soldiers in the Bataan peninsula to the Japanese forces was a courageous act,” said Brig. Gen. Labra in his message.
“It was putting the interest of the majority above their personal interests- a virtue we need to imitate especially in our workplace,” the PRO 13 top police official added.
“Our celebration is not merely a commemoration of history. It is also our high time for gratitude and reflection on how we remain steadfast in giving selfless service, unflinching loyalty, and daring spirit to serve God, country, and people,” Brig. Gen. Labra added.