President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday urged Filipinos to protect the country’s independence and “resist” any attack on Philippine sovereignty.

“I am one with the entire Filipino people in the solemn observance of the Day of Valor,” the President said in his Araw ng Kagitingan message.

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He hailed how 76 years ago Filipino and American troops “fought side by side in defense of our democratic way of life.”

“Immeasurable sweat, blood and tears were shed and countless lives were lost during this dark chapter in our history to ensure that our people may pursue their endeavors freely,” he said. “It is thus disquieting that our commemoration of this historic occasion comes at a time when the very freedoms that the heroes of Bataan fought for are once again imperiled.”

“Forces who wish to see a weak and submissive Philippines continue in their unbridled disrespect for the institutions and laws that embody our aspirations as a people,” he said.

He then reminded Filipinos of “our sacred duty and obligation to defend the honor of our motherland.”

“We owe it to our forefathers to demonstrate the same courage and valor that sustained their gallant stand more than seven decades ago,” he said. “Let the spirit of Bataan inspire us to resist any affront to our dignity and inviolable rights as a free, sovereign and independent nation.”

Unlike in the previous year, the President won’t be able to attend the annual ceremony at the Mount Samat in Bataan as he is set to fly to China on Monday afternoon to attend a business forum. /atm

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