THE timing and venue were right. During the celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan in Bataan, President Marcos just uttered what has to be said to all freedom-loving Filipinos.

Amid the threat our country is facing in the West Philippine Sea, our leader called on us not to allow the country to suffer from oppression and subjugation in its territory.

Speaking at the Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan) ceremony at Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan, Marcos said the country still faces a myriad of challenges over eight decades since the Second World War, including threats to its sovereign rights that have already “caused physical harm to our people.”

He called on Filipinos to never allow oppressors in the country’s “own backyard” much like how the forebears bravely fought for freedom and independence.

The President issued the statement in the face of the heightened tension in the West Philippine Sea following China’s aggressive actions in the waterways.

On March 23, a China Coast Guard vessel water cannoned a Philippine supply ship en route to Ayungin shoal, a maritime feature within the WPS.

The attack left the supply vessel heavily damaged and its crew members injured.

In the same speech, the President ordered the Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to assess and submit a report on the military’s equipment.

He said these measures aim to show the government’s unwavering support to Philippine soldiers as they face new and growing challenges.

The AFP previously said it is now focusing on addressing external threats after decades of centering its operations to addressing insurgency and terrorism in the country.

Meanwhile, the President also ordered a study on the prevailing benefits for soldiers permanently disabled in the line of duty to ensure that they are “commensurate to their sacrifices.”

Defense, budget, and finance departments are directed to submit to Malacañang their “recommendation while taking stock of the national government’s position.

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