Pinoys asked to remember Marines watching Ayungin Shoal

MANILA, Philippines - As he led the nation in commemorating “Araw ng Kagitingan” yesterday, President Aquino urged the nation to remember the sacrifices of the seven Marines who had dutifully stood watch over the country’s maritime borders from a decrepit grounded vessel on Ayungin Shoal, amid harassment from Chinese ships.

“Just think of the gravity of their sacrifice: For five months, their entire world revolved around the sea. They had almost no communication with their families; there were even times when the supplies and food they needed were blocked from reaching them,” Aquino said in a speech at the Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan. His audience included World War II veterans and diplomats.

“Day and night, on board the stranded BRP Sierra Madre, their dedication was anchored on keeping watch over and safeguarding our territory. This is why, together with our veterans, soldiers like them are among those we honor today. The Filipino nation salutes all of you,” Aquino said.

The Marines, led by 1st Lt. Mike Pelotera, were forced to extend their three-month sentinel duty on the Sierra Madre to five months due to harassment from Chinese ships, which were blocking supplies to the remote garrison. Last March 29, a Filipino ship carrying supplies and replacement troops managed to outmaneuver the Chinese vessels and unload its cargo on the Sierra Madre.

The President said it is important to instill in the minds of people the bravery, sacrifices and heroism of veterans during World War II.

“Was it not you veterans who, for the sake of our flag, charged with full resolve into danger and uncertainty? In the face of great challenge, you withstood hunger, thirst, and pain; you did not think twice about putting your lives on the line for the well-being of the majority,” he said.

He said that although many of the veterans have died, the government remains committed to recognizing their contribution and providing them benefits.

“What we want: Sufficient care for our veterans and their families, enough to match their devotion to our country,” Aquino said.

He said the government has eliminated ghost pensioners and set into motion its Pensioner’s Revalidation Program.

“As we continue to care for our veterans, so too have we continued to ensure that our soldiers in service today have the ability to fulfill their responsibilities. Should we ever need to enter battle, we cannot send our soldiers off armed only with their courage and daring,” he said. “This is why we have allotted over P36 billion for our AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Modernization and Capability Upgrade Program.”

From July 2010 to March 2014, Aquino said the government completed 38 projects under the program. This includes the procurement of modern vessels and equipment aimed at strengthening the AFP.

“Even in this way, we will be able to lighten the weight of the responsibilities they fulfill in order to serve our country,” he said. 

Stand for right

President Aquino also rallied the people yesterday to remain firm in their conviction to defend what is right.

“And on this day, on the Day of Valor, I ask all of you to join me in declaring: the Filipino will always stand for what is right,” Aquino said.

“Throughout its history, the Philippines has undergone many trials. But each challenge we have answered has only allowed the unique Filipino spirit to grow even stronger and shine clearer,” he said.

“As we faced disasters that came one after the other, we showed the world that no calamity can crush the Filipino,” Aquino stressed.

He also said the government is winning its battles on many fronts – including the one against corruption. Aquino said this has earned the country the reputation of being a bastion of good and honest governance.

From being the “Sick Man of Asia,” the Philippines is now considered a “Bright Spot” in the global economy, he said.

Aquino also called on the country’s neighbors and allies to always work for regional peace and stability.

United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg and Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe made the same pronouncements during the Araw ng  Kagitingan commemoration rites yesterday.

The calls came amid rising tension in the West Philippine Sea and East China Sea over China’s expansive maritime claims.

“World War II began as the Philippines was preparing to transition from being an American colony to being a truly independent nation. And it was precisely because American forces were still here that our country became involved in a large-scale war,” he said.