Filipinos on Monday celebrated the 119th anniversary of the country’s independence, marking the national holiday with ceremonies, heartfelt flag-raisings, and demonstrations of solidarity.
From Luzon and all the way to Mindanao, Filipinos saluted the Philippine flag and marched in rallies to commemorate the country’s freedom amid the crisis in the city of Marawi.
The Philippines declared its independence from Spanish colonial rule on June 12, 1898, led by Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite.
Provincial capitol employees were emotional during the flag raising at Lanao del Sur capitol.PHOOT BY RICHEL UMEL / INQUIRER MINDANAO
INDEPENDENCE DAY June 12, 2017 Members of various progressive groups hold a protest rally calling for true Philippine sovereignity amidst supposed Chinese and American intervention at the Chinese Embassy in Makati during Independence Day. INQUIRER PHOTO/ ALEXIS CORPUZ
Surfers in Zambales raise and wave the Philippine flag in the West Philippine Sea as a statement to express their will to protect the country’s sovereign territories. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Two women who joined the Independence Day celebration on June 12 are all smiles as they show their Philippine flag-painted faces in Cauayan City.(Villamor Visaya Jr.)
VP Leni Robredo leads the flag raising ceremony and wreath laying during the 119th Independence day celebration held at Rizal Park in Manila. also in photo from left: Rene Escalante NHCP, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Executive Sec Salvador Medialdea and DFA Sec Rene Cayetano Jr.
INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC
A muslim woman salutes during a one minute salute for the fallen soldiers in Marawi City, as a solidarity rally is held in Plaza Miranda lead by Sen. Risa Hontiveros and former CHR Chair Etta Rosales on Independence Day.
INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
The Philippine flag is hoisted at the Rizal Park on Independence Day.
INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
A muslim woman salutes during a one minute salute for the fallen soldiers in Marawi City, as a solidarity rally is held in Plaza Miranda lead by Sen. Risa Hontiveros and former CHR Chair Etta Rosales on Independence Day.
INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
Mural Painting. A creative artist paints the wall at a beach resort in San Felipe, Zambales. Some 50 members of youth group Dakila mark the Philippine Independence Day with mural painting and beach camping.
PHOTO BY ALLAN MACATUNO
Boy scouts pose for photo with anti-riot police along T.M. Kalaw Avenue in Manila as the country celebrates Independence Day on Monday, June 12, 2017. The anti-riot police are deployed to prevent protesting activists in reaching the US Embassy.
INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
Caloocan City Mayor Oca Malapitan and Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo lead the wreath laying during the 119th Philippine Independence Day held at Andres Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City. Del Castillo is the guest of honor in the said event. INQUIRER INTERN / SHAAN BIJWADIA
Muslim women raises their fists for a one minute salute for the fallen soldiers in Marawi City, as a solidarity rally is held in Plaza Miranda lead by Sen. Risa Hontiveros and former CHR Chair Etta Rosales on Independence Day.
INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ