NEWS

PNoy to lead Araw ng Kagitingan rites

 President Benigno Aquino III is set to lead the commemorative rites for the Araw ng Kagitingan today (Monday) in Pilar, Bataan.

 The Philipine Information Agency (PIA) said Aquino will speak before a crowd of about 3,000 people, including war veterans and their families, at the Dambana ng Kagitinan in Mt. Samat Shrine.

Monday marks the 70th anniversary of the fall of Bataan, where Filipino and American soldiers stationed in Corregidor and Bataan surrendered to the Japanese army, and were forced to participate in the Death March.

“This event is in memory of World War II (WWII) veterans who fought for our freedom against foreign oppressors,” said Teresita Cuevas, director of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.

This year’s commemoration has the theme: “Veterans: Catalysts of Genuine and Lasting Change.”

Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe, Leslie Bassett, deputy chief of mission of the Unites State of America, and several government officials will also be present in the rites.

Meanwhile, Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Raymond Garcia will deliver the welcome remarks in behalf of his father, Governor Enrique Garcia, who is still recovering from an illness.