Aquino thanks military for aiding ‘Sendong’ victims

76TH AFP ANNIVERSARY Various military units parade in Camp Aquinaldo to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In his speech, President Aquino praised the AFP’s “bayanihan” spirit after the top brass canceled its annual ball and instead donated the money allotted for the event to the victims of Tropical Storm “Sendong.” The AFP also canceled various portions of the grand parade and saved P4 million for Sendong’s victims. JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino thanked the military on Wednesday for helping victims of Tropical Storm Sendong in the Visayas and Mindanao, and for canceling its AFP Ball and contributing the money set aside for that celebration to the victims.

At the celebration of  76th AFP Day in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, the President said he was a witness to the tragic results of Sendong’s  heavy rains when he visited the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete  last Tuesday.

Aquino said the “spirit of bayanihan” has emerged from the tragedy, noting that under the leadership of Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Lieutenant General Jessie Dellosa, the country’s soldiers have set good examples in their concern for and service to the people.

With the help of the AFP, the government leads and continues to undertake operations and assistance in the affected areas, according to the President.

“I also learned that the AFP Ball has been canceled and that the funds to be spent here would be provided instead to help victims of Tropical Storm Sendong,” Aquino said.

And on behalf of the people, the President thanked the military for its sacrifices for the people.

Following his visit to the devastated areas Tuesday, the President declared a state of national calamity to ensure the government would be able to address the needs and concerns of the victims.