On Independence Day, VP Duterte thanks heroes fighting terrorism, communism

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte, on Independence Day, encouraged Filipinos to thank heroes for fighting for freedom from terrorism, corruption, and local communism.

Duterte, who is also the vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac), said that years of patriotism have allowed Filipinos to overcome the challenges of nation-building.

“Let us also take this time to thank the heroes of today who continue to fight for our freedom from terrorism, criminality, corruption, and local communism and who, to this day, remained unwavering in securing the gains of our development across public health, economy, peace and order, and governance,” said the Vice President in a statement.

Duterte, who concurrently serves as the Secretary of the Department of Education, also said that children should be free from armed struggle.

“Let us rally behind our education sector to enable our children and youth to break free from the dangers of armed struggle so that they can realize their full potential and serve as agents of positive change in society,” she said.

With the country celebrating its 125th Independence Day, Duterte said that heroism lies in a collective resolve to build a better way of life and to defend the country.

In May 2022, groups expressed concern over Duterte’s red-tagging of progressive organizations when she was appointed co-vice chair of NTF-Elcac.

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