DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte expressed concern over foreign policy, insurgency, and the status of the Bangsamoro peace process in Mindanao on Araw ng Kagitingan on Thursday, April 9.

The Vice President, speaking during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Monument here attended by veterans, government agencies, civic groups, and uniformed men with the theme "Giting ng Bayani, Pamana sa Salinlahi," said the state of the nation has failed the Filipino soldier.

She said the lack of a clear, independent foreign policy creates uncertainty about whose interests the armed forces are protecting.

Duterte underscored the importance of remembering the sacrifices of Filipino soldiers who fought for peace and freedom but said the present national conditions show shortcomings in supporting them.

"This commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan is very important because we need to remember, and our children need to know, the sacrifices of our soldiers so that we can live peacefully in our country," Duterte said.

She said the lack of a clear, principled direction weakens national defense and affects morale. Duterte also raised concerns about the gradual return of insurgency, citing skirmishes in some areas and recruitment of youth by the New People's Army.

Duterte said the Bangsamoro peace process is faltering, with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front growing restless over delays in implementing agreements and the slow pace of development in their communities.

Duterte said Araw ng Kagitingan honors the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism of Filipino soldiers in the Fall of Bataan in 1942, who, weakened by hunger and disease, had to surrender to Japanese forces.

"We remember those who stood their ground in the face of overwhelming odds, who chose duty over comfort, and who offered their lives so that future generations could inherit a nation worth living and fighting for," Duterte said.

Major Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, remembered the bravery of Filipino and Allied forces in World War II and the resistance, especially in Mindanao.

Davao City Police Office chief Police Col. Peter Bauzon Madria said the observance of the 84th Araw ng Kagitingan serves as a reminder of every Filipino's responsibility to safeguard the nation's hard-earned liberty passed by the previous heroes for present and future generations.

Duterte also extended her support and good wishes to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who is facing health speculations.

"Good luck!" Duterte told the reporters after the 84th Valor Day wreath-laying ceremony here.

Meanwhile, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte posted a cryptic message on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, April 8, regarding the administration's governance.

"Let's pretend to be dead to make the issue of trillion-peso corruption and mismanaged funds disappear... a useless and foolish style to avoid the crisis," Rep. Duterte said.

Vice President Duterte stressed that the public should ask the President directly what the government is doing to help Filipinos affected by the crisis in the Middle East.

The Vice President noted that fuel prices could decrease if the government finds alternative sources of supply or addresses supply issues in the country.

Marcos was diagnosed with diverticulitis, an inflammation of pouches in the colon, in January. The condition temporarily forced him to skip some public engagements.

The Office of the President said that Marcos remains fit to perform his official functions, and public engagements continue as scheduled.

Marcos dismissed rumors about his health and assured the people that he is back to his regular routine for the past few months.

Meanwhile, Duterte said that she has not yet finalized a slate of 12 senatorial candidates for the 2028 elections.

Duterte said some individuals have expressed interest in joining her ticket if she decides to run.

"But if you are asking whether there is a list or if we have discussed the matter, there is none yet," Duterte said. She refused to name those who have approached her.