Aquino to Filipinos: Be heroes to the abused

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III on Monday encouraged Filipinos to continue fighting for the country the way its national heroes did by defending victims of violence and oppression.

"Without doubt: Whenever violence or oppression takes place, there is a perpetrator and there is the victim; and if you are not the abuser, and you are not being abused, then we must ask: what did you do? It is in these moments that heroes are needed. It is in these moments that the courage of the heroic few becomes clear, rising above all," Aquino said in his speech on National Heroes Day on Monday.

Aquino also quoted his father, former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.: "We should not depend on one man. We should depend on all of us."

"Every Filipino can be a hero if we will continue to fight our desired destination," the president said.

Aquino said he believes the current generation has begun something extraordinary that may collectively hone a better and brighter future for the country.

Aquino also remembered the late heroes' sacrifices, which he said will be wasted if Filipinos fail to live up to ideals they fought for.

"If we failed to live out the very principles and ideals fought for by the individuals we honor through such structures," Aquino said.

"On this day, we pay tribute to the sacrifices offered by Philippine heroes. As we honor them, so too are we called to do our part and to continue the battle they began—whether in a small, or a big way—for the betterment of our nation," he added.

Aquino on Monday morning led the wreath-laying ceremony for the commemoration of the National Heroes' Day at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City.