AFP: Stronger military will ensure protection of Filipinos, uphold freedom
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed to improve its capabilities to continuously fulfill its duties to protect the country and uphold the country’s freedom.
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* This was stressed by Col. Medel Aguilar, AFP spokesperson, as he urged the public to join the commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the Independence Day on Monday, June 12. “Tayo ay sumasagot at handang gumampan ng mahusay sa mga katungkulan at kaatasan upang mapanatili ang pagkakaisa at kapayapaan sa ating bansa habang tayo ay nagsisikap na palakasin ang kakayahang ipagtanggol ang ating kasarinlan (We are ready to fulfill our duties and responsibilities to maintain unity and peace in our country as we strive to strengthen our capabilities to defend our freedom),” Aguilar said on Sunday, June 11. He also encouraged the Filipinos to remember the sacrifices of the forebearers which led to the declaration of the country’s independence from Spanish colonizers in 1898. “Habang ating pinapahalagahan ang kalayaang ipinagkaloob sa atin ng mga bayaning nakibaka at nag-alay ng kanilang buhay, tayo ay matibay at matapang na haharap sa mga pagsubok, bitbit ang mga mahahalagang aral hango sa makulay na kasaysayan (As we value the freedom given to us by the heroes that fought for it and gave their lives, we will face the challenges head on courageously, bringing with us the important lessons from our colorful history),” Aguilar stated. “Sa ating pinagsama-samang lakas at kaalaman, madali nating makakamtan ang hangarin para sa isang mapayapa at maunlad na pamayanan (Through our collective strength and knowledge, we can easily attain our goals for a peaceful and progressive community),” he added. Gen. Andres Centino, AFP Chief of Staff, will lead the military’s contingent for the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at Rizal Park in Manila at 8 a.m. to kick off the Independence Day celebration. The celebration will be graced by Commander-in-Chief, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The theme for this year’s celebration is "Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan."