Brawner, Teodoro hail WPS troops, fishers as modern-day heroes

West Philippine Sea troops, fishers hailed as modern-day heroes PHOTO /PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD/BUREAU OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES (PCG/BFAR)

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner on Monday hailed troops in the West Philippine Sea as modern-day heroes as the country marks National Heroes’ Day.

“The true spirit of National Heroes’ Day is not only engraved in the past but is continuously lived by each and every one of our soldiers,” Brawner said in a statement.

“In the West Philippine Sea, despite China’s deceitful and dangerous actions, we continue to defend and preserve our rights and sovereign rights together with our partners in service,” he also said.

READ: 85% of Filipinos distrust China, survey says

In Ayungin Shoal, naval outpost BRP Sierra Madre is aground, manned by AFP personnel since 1999.

The resupply activity to the BRP Sierra Madre has become one of the flashpoints of tensions between Manila and Beijing, as it also saw on June 17 last year in an incident which seriously injured a Navy personnel.

“These events remind us that being a soldier is not just a duty, but a sacrifice that often comes at the cost of one’s own life and safety,” Brawner said.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday also hailed fisherfolk as modern-day heroes.

Fisherfolk bear the brunt of Chinese aggression in Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal, another flashpoint of tensions between Manila and Beijing

“Our modern heroes are proof that everyone has the ability to participate in promoting our cause,” Teodoro also said.

“May the spirit of heroism inherent in our Filipinos remain alive in our hearts and minds,” he said. “Standing up for our independence is not only the duty of some, but the responsibility of every Filipino.”

“Let us pay respects to the sacrifices and greatness shown by our heroes of the past in promoting our independence in a just, honorable, and peaceful manner; towards a Philippines that will never be allowed to be oppressed by anyone,” he continued. /mr