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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Zamboanga City honors 103-year-old veteran, World War II heroes on Day of Valor

Zamboanga City honors 103-year-old veteran, World War II heroes on Day of Valor

Published Apr 9, 2024 11:40 am

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A 103-year-old Filipino soldier who fought in World War II took center stage as this city commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Tuesday, April 9.

ZAMBOANGA ARAW NG KAGITINGAN.jpg

MAYOR John Dalipe (fourth from left) leads the Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration in Zamboanga City on April 9.  (Mayor John Dalipe FB) 

Mamerto Pacarro, a United States Armed Forces in the Far East member who fought in the hinterlands of Mindanao, became the focus of the commemoration activity as he, together with other World War II heroes and veterans here, were honored during the commemoration program.  

Pacarro was said to have travelled for 225 kilometers from Dipolog City to Zamboanga City on board a three-wheel vehicle (Piaggio) just to attend the activity.

“It is indeed an honor to stand before you on this significant occasion, surrounded by the spirit of courage and resilience that defines our beloved nation’s character,” said Mayor John Dalipe who led the activity with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office and the Philippine Veterans Federation-IX.

The program started with a flag-raising ceremony followed by a floral offering at the Rizal Park, Freedom Fighters Shrine by Dalipe together with the veterans and members of the security sector.

Task Force Zamboanga held a 21-gun salute to honor fallen and living heroes.

“Let us not only remember the valor of our heroes, but also rekindle the flame of patriotism within our hearts.  Let us draw inspiration from their selflessness and dedication, and strive to emulate their firm commitment to the greater good,” Dalipe said.

Let us stand and walk together in unison, as proud inheritors of a legacy forged in the fires of adversity, and march forward with courage and determination towards a future of peace, progress, and prosperity for all, he added.

Dalipe was joined by Raul Roldan, regional president of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines-IX, Wenceslao Buntag,  VFP regional president and district president;  Brig. Gen. Aldrin Annani, deputy commander, Western Mindanao Command;  Brig. Gen. Rocky Binag, wing commander of Tactical Operations;  Rear Admiral Danny Miraflor, Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander; 

Major Gen. Araus Robert Musico, commander of the Air Combat command; Police Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding, Police Regional Office-9 director; Police Col. Kimberly Molitas, Zamboanga City police chief; and Capt. Larry Cendeña, commander, Coast Guard Zamboanga Station.  
 

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Araw ng Kagitingan Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe
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