THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday called on Filipinos to cherish the gift of freedom and take it as an opportunity to better serve the country.
"Side by side, let us not take for granted the gift of freedom, instead use it to make ourselves better citizens capable of serving our country above self; and when the circumstance calls for it, offer our lives with pride and honor," said AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. in his Independence Day message.
He also thanked Filipinos for helping the government contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
"We give our snappiest salute to the Filipinos who are with us in the struggle to overcome these trying times. This only shows that each of us is vital to our nation’s overall well-being, and is the primary contributor to national development," he added.
As of Wednesday, Covid-19 cases in the country have reached 23,732, with 4,895 recoveries and 1,027 deaths.
Aside from the dangers posed by the pandemic, Santos said the country is also facing threats to its democratic principles which Filipino national heroes and martyrs have fought for and defended with their lives.
"These threats are beyond physical harm and are trying our resolve to stand up united and are testing the strength of our will to take our place in the defense of our nation," he added.
Santos also assured that every soldier, sailor, airman, marine is committed to protecting freedom and preserving the people's ability to live without fear and trust the country's institutions.
"As protectors of the People and the State, the AFP is first in the front-line in preserving this freedom. With the support of every Filipino — from whom our mandate emanates — we will continue to work tirelessly to this end," he added.(By Priam Nepomuceno)
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