The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) urged Filipinos to protect national sovereignty and help build a culture of “positive peace” amid continuing national challenges as the nation celebrated the 128th Independence Day on Friday, June 12.

In his Independence Day message, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. said freedom carries with it a responsibility to preserve the gains won by earlier generations.

“As we commemorate the 128th Philippine Independence Day, we join the entire nation in reflecting on the significance of this year's theme, ‘Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan.’ It reminds us that the freedom we now enjoy was secured through the sacrifices of those who came before us, and that the future of our nation depends on how faithfully we uphold and protect that hard-earned independence,” Brawner said.

He said the military remains committed to defending the country’s sovereignty and democratic institutions amid challenges to the institution.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines stands at the intersection of our history and our future. We honor the courage of our heroes by remaining faithful to our sworn duty as defenders of our sovereignty, preserving democratic institutions, and safeguarding the welfare of the Filipino people,” he said.

Brawner said military personnel and civilian employees share a duty to safeguard the country’s freedom.

“As soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, and civilian human resources of the AFP, we carry the responsibility to ensure that the freedom won by previous generations is preserved for those yet to come. Let us become living examples of patriotism, reflected in our discipline and integrity, inspiring every Filipino through our actions that help shape the future of our beloved nation,” he said.

At the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City, PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard N. Valencia echoed Brawner’s statement during Independence Day rites.

Valencia said the observance served as a reminder that independence is both a historic achievement and a continuing responsibility that must be protected through patriotism, discipline, integrity, and service.

The Philippine Army (PA) also held simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City and camps nationwide.

Representing Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Efren F. Morados called on troops to remain faithful to their constitutional mandate.

“Let us not allow deception and the selfish interests of a few to prevail. Instead, let us uphold our loyalty to the Constitution, integrity in public service, and dedication to our sworn duty and mandate,” Morados said in Filipino as he delivered Nafarrete’s message.

He also urged soldiers to take pride in their service: “To all members of our Army, let us stand with honor and pride. Every time our flag flies, it is proof that we are faithfully carrying out our duty.”

Nafarrete joined President Marcos and Brawner at the Independence Day celebration at the Rizal Monument in Manila.

Meawhile, the OPAPRU emphasized the role of peacebuilding in securing the nation’s future. In his Independence Day message, Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen S. Sarmiento said Filipinos must confront divisions, conflict, and poverty that continue to hinder national development.

“As we reflect on the sacrifices made by our forebears to free us from the bondage of foreign invaders, may the spirit of independence inspire Filipinos to unite and work together to overcome the challenges that hinder our nation’s progress,” Sarmiento said.

He identified social divisions, armed conflict, and poverty as barriers to development and linked Independence Day to the concept of positive peace.

Positive peace refers to conditions that go beyond the absence of violence and address the factors that fuel conflict, including inequality and social exclusion, he explained.

“This is, after all, the essence of Positive Peace — when the underlying roots of structural conflict are addressed, and are replaced by social justice, inclusiveness, and harmony. It is creating the conditions wherein genuine and long-lasting peace can firmly take root and flourish,” he said.

“On this historic day, let us remember that to be a responsible citizen is to be a nation builder. We must not only be proud of our heritage as Filipinos but, more importantly, contribute to the collective effort of building a stronger, more united, and more just Philippine society,” he added.

The country marks Independence Day every June 12 in remembrance of the declaration of independence from Spain in 1898.