AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana (File photo)
MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana on Friday called on Filipinos to remember all the heroes who put their lives on the line for the country's independence from colonizers.
"Ngayong araw ay inaalala natin hindi lamang ang ating pagkamit ng kasarinlan mula sa mga mananakop kung hindi maging ang dahilan sa likod ng tagumpay na ito – ang ating mga bayaning nagsakripisyo at naglaan ng kanilang buhay sa ngalan ng wagas na pagmamahal para sa ating bayan. Ang kanilang kabayanihan at matapang na pakikipaglaban sa iba't ibang pamamaraan - sa prinsipyo, dunong, salita o gawa man, ang dahilan ng kalayaang tinatamasa ng bawat Pilipino sa kasalukuyan (We remember this day not only because we attain our freedom from the invaders but for the reason for this victory --- our heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the love of country. Their heroism and bravery in fighting in various forms be it in principle, wisdom, words and works, are the reasons why the Filipinos are enjoying their freedom)," Sobejana said in his message, ahead of the commemoration of the country's 123rd Independence Day on Saturday.
Sobejana also assured the public that this freedom will be further strengthened by the efforts of the nation's soldiers and defenders.
"Kaya hinihikayat ko ang bawat miyembro ng Sandatahang Lakas na patuloy na magsumikap upang ang kalayaang ipinaglaban ng ating mga ninuno noon, ang kalayaan na mayroon tayo ngayon, ay ang siya ring mararanasan ng mga susunod pang henerasyon. Mag-iba man ang anyo at dumami man ang pagsubok na kinahaharap natin, mananatiling iisa ang ipinaglalaban natin, at iyon ay para sa malaya, mapayapa at progresibong Pilipinas para sa lahat ng mga Pilipino (This is why I am asking all members of the Armed Forces to continue with their efforts to safeguard the nation's freedom which have been fought for our ancestors so that the independence being enjoyed by today's generation which will be experienced by the next generation. Things may change and the nation may experience a lot of adversity in the coming days, but we remain committed to fighting for a free, peaceful, and progressive Philippines)," he added.
With this year's theme "Kalayaan 2021: Diwa sa Pagkakaisa at Paghilom ng Bayan", Sobejana urged every Filipinos to work and unite so that the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic will be eliminated and the nation will be free from poverty, fear, and uncertainty.
He added that everyone has a vital role to play in preserving freedom.
"Pakatandaan natin na sa laban na ito, hindi natin kailangan ng armas para maging bayani. Ang kailangan natin ay disiplina, pakikipagkapwa-tao, pagmamahal sa bayan at diwa ng pagkakaisa — sa ganitong paraan tayo ay tunay na magiging bayani, sa ganitong paraang tayo ay tunay na magiging malaya (Let us all remember that in this fight, we do not need weapons to become heroes. What we need is discipline, camaraderie, love of country and unity. In this way, we will all be true heroes, and we will be free)," Sobejana said. (PNA)
