LOOK: DND’s Lorenzana, Mayor Isko Moreno lead Rizal Day rites at Luneta

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno lead the wreath-laying rites at the Luneta Park to commemorate 124th death anniversary of Jose Rizal. Photo from Facebook page of Isko Moreno Domagoso

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Wednesday led the commemoration of the 124th death anniversary of the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal at Luneta Park.

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Lorenzana and Moreno led the wreath-laying ceremony in Rizal’s monument at Luneta.

Also present were National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairman Rene Escalante and  Philippine Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Allan Paredes, among others.

It was on Dec. 30, 1896, when Rizal was executed by firing squad at the park, originally known as Bagumbayan, for the crime of rebellion under Spanish colonial rule.

In his solidarity message, President Rodrigo Duterte said that today’s frontliners battling the COVID-19 pandemic emulated Rizal.

“Today, we see many Rizals fighting for our people, this time against an unseen adversary—a pandemic. We have our brave frontliners who continue to serve the nation in their unique capacities notwithstanding the risks to life and limb. In them, we see a new expression of heroism that is truly inspiring,” the President said.

JPV