Marcos to Filipinos: ‘Stand by our freedoms’ amid ‘foul forces’

FILE PHOTO: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged Filipinos to “ stand by our cherished freedoms and principles” amid “foul forces” threatening the country.

In his Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) message, Marcos said that while this day signifies a loss for the country when Bataan fell to Japanese troops during World War II, it demonstrates how the Philippines could rise again.

Marcos also noted that even if times have changed, threats remain.

READ: Marcos marks Filipinos’ ‘indomitable spirit’ on Day of Valor

“Foul forces continue to threaten us outside and within, endangering the hard-fought gains we made for our country. There are times when our struggles seem too complex or too daunting,” he said.

“Still, it is precisely during those moments that we must stand by our cherished freedoms and principles, perform our tasks with utmost dedication and diligence, and fight fiercely for a better life and a brighter future,” he added.

Marcos also urged Filipinos to take inspiration from the “bravery, integrity, and resilience” of those who fought in Bataan.

READ: Insurgency ending but external threats rising, says Marcos as AFP told to adjust strategy

“Let us emulate the bravery, integrity, and resilience of the heroes and heroines of Bataan so that, like them, we may emerge triumphant in the trials of our time,” said the President.

“With the great sacrifices of our progenitors foremost in our minds, let us be inspired to follow their legacy by working together to unitedly realize the Bagong Pilipinas that we aspire for our people,” he added.

Marcos’ call for bravery came in the face of internal and external threats as the country’s defense strategy shifted.

Tensions between Manila and Beijing over the West Philippine Sea have escalated since 2023. Marcos has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to focus more on external threats to the country’s sovereignty.