Butuan civilian, police, military officials mark 69th Araw Ng Kagitingan

BUTUAN CITY — Butuan City civilian, police, and military officials on Saturday joined hands in marking the 69th observance of the Araw ng Kagitangan (Day of Valor), a national holiday in the Philippines that commemorates the fall of Bataan and the gallantry of World War II veterans. The Araw Ng Kagitingan anniversary rites were held at the local Bantayog Ng Mga Bayani marker inside the compound of the Butuan Library and Museum. Officials from different government agencies such as the Philippine Veterans Administration Office (PVAO), Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Office of the City Senior Citizens (OCSA) were present to join the commemoration activities. The Butuan City officials were headed by Mayor Dr. Ferdinand Amante, Jr. and Vice Mayor Lawrence Fortun; while the police and military and officials were headed by Caraga police regional director Chief Supt. Reynaldo and Philippine Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Rodrigo Diapana. The Government officials joined local veterans, their beneficiaries, wives and children in the commemoration activities. In calling his constituents to honor the heroic deeds of WW II veterans, Mayor Amante said: “Without the veterans who sacrificed lives to defend country’s honor and patrimony, we will not be celebrating the 69th Araw Ng Kagitingan today." For his part, Chief Supt. Reynaldo S. Rafal thanked the beneficiaries, wives and children of veterans who have passed away for the bravery their forefathers. Also, he expressed hopes the policemen of today would show the same commitment to serve and protect the country and the people. “There is no greater heroism one can show for the love of country other than those who are willing to sacrifice and die for the homeland. We, at the Philippine National Police is getting our inspiration, our courage from those who passed ahead of us and fought valiantly for the our nation. For that, I salute you our veterans," Rafal said. Meanwhile Philippine Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade’s Diapana lauded the support shown by the wives, children, relatives and all beneficiaries to the WW II veterans. “Without your physical and moral support for your father veterans, husband veterans and veteran grandparents, they would have lost faith and the love to struggle and fight for freedom," Diapana said. Vice Mayor Fortun also thanked the relatives of the veterans present during the celebration saying, “the heroism of your forefathers, veteran fathers and uncle is our aspiration to serve our people today and in the generations to come." On the other hand, veteran Haji Atega, president of Veterans Association of Agusan del Norte, called on government to increase benefits of the beneficiaries of the veterans. “Now, more than ever, is the time for our country and people to show resiliency in all difficulties and obstacles the country is facing as the hardship veterans experienced in their times is far more difficult than what the Filipinos are facing today," Atega said. In response to Atega, Mayor Amante said: “More than ever, now is the time for every Filipino to show the veterans spirit in them, courageous and never falters in the fight for freedom and justice." — Ben Serrano/LBG, GMA News