PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde (third from right) and NCRPO chief, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar. (second from right). (Contributed photo)
MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday called on Filipinos to remember the heroism of the country's ancestors who put their lives on the line to preserve the country's freedom.
“Today is the best time to remember the noble deeds of Filipino heroes who helped the Philippines achieve its identity. The PNP’s mission to serve and protect the whole nation offers a great opportunity for every hero to rise among all policemen in the service,” PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde said in his message in observance of National Heroes Day.
Albayalde, together with National Capital Region Police Office head Maj. Guillermo Eleazar, joined other government officials during the observance of the occasion at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
Albayalde said members of the PNP are willing to sacrifice their life for the country, adding that the police force will never run out of heroes even if they sacrificed their lives every day.
He said the police have embraced the “legacy of valor, service and sacrifice as fundamental principles to its core values of service, honor and justice that describe every police campaign and mission against threats to peace and democracy.”
Eleazar, meanwhile, echoed Albayalde's remarks, stressing all Filipino heroes deserve to be given an annual commemoration.
“Karapat dapat lang po na may inilalaan na isang espesyal na araw tulad nito, upang ating magunita ang kagitingan, katapangan at kabayanihan ng ating mga ninuno, ng ating mga bayani (It is just fitting that a special day like this be alloted to remember the valor and courage of our forefathers, our heroes,” the Metro Manila top cop said.
“I know how proud you must be and I celebrate this day with you, as millions of Filipinos do,” he added.
The NCRPO chief is the son of Staff Sgt. Victor Eleazar, a bonafide Filipino veteran.
The older Eleazar, who was then 17, went from one battlefront to another in their province of Quezon, bringing supplies and food to the guerillas during the World War II against the Japanese Army.
“Tirelessly and bravely, he did his task to help preserve the sacred freedom and dignity of our beloved country,” the NCRPO chief said. (PNA)
