Marcos to Pinoys: Emulate Bonifacio

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos called on Filipinos yesterday to emulate the heroism of revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio and to contribute to economic and social development.

In his message on the 160th anniversary of Bonifacio’s birth, Marcos said heroism would emerge if people fill their hearts with love, concern and understanding for their fellowmen and the nation.

Each Filipino has an important role to play in ensuring the country’s progress, he added.

“Everyone should join activities that will develop our culture, economy and society now that we are striving to achieve a new Philippines,” the President said in a speech delivered by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin at the Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City.

“My beloved countrymen, now that we are commemorating the 160th anniversary of the birth of Gat Andres Bonifacio, let us fulfill this duty,” he added.

Marcos said Bonifacio’s heroism calls on Filipinos not only to offer their lives to the country but also to dedicate their skills, courage and time so that their efforts would bring hope and inspiration to their countrymen.

“I invite each one to emulate his (Bonifacio) heroism and love for the country and to display it in their everyday activities,” the President said.

Bonifacio’s image, he added, symbolized the courage of the Filipinos’ forebears who fought for the country’s freedom.

“Such a heroism can be seen in modern-day heroes – in the diligence and persistence of Filipino workers; in the unmatched skills of nurses and doctors; in the sincere dedication of teachers; in the heroism of police and soldiers; in the unquestionable sacrifice of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) – all of them give life and meaning to the progress of our nation,” the Chief Executive said.

Bonifacio’s ideals live on after more than one and a half century and Filipinos should honor his contributions to the establishment of their identity, he added.

Marcos noted that Bonifacio, father of the Philippine Revolution, mirrored the modern-day ordinary Filipino – he stopped studying and had to work to support his siblings after his parents died, learned to stand by his principles and defend the Filipinos who were being oppressed in their own country.

Bonifacio was born on Nov. 30, 1863 in Tondo, Manila. He was a founder of the Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan, which sought to liberate the Philippines from Spain.

During yesterday’s celebration, the volume of traffic was “heavier than usual” at Monumento, according to Caloocan public safety and traffic management office chief Jay Bernardo.

The militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno and other cause-oriented groups also pushed for significant wage increases and an end to job contractualization as they marched from the United States embassy in Manila to the Don Chino Roces bridge for a program.

SAF heroes

Meanwhile, two elite Special Action Force (SAF) troopers, wounded during a recent police operation in Lanao del Sur, were also yesterday honored for their gallantry and heroism.

SAF director Maj. Gen. Bernard Banac conferred the Medalya ng Sugatang  Magiting on Lt. Eimel Jann Obiena and Cpl. Richard Preciados at the Amai Pakpak Hospital in Marawi City where they are recuperating from their wounds.

Obiena and Preciados, who are assigned with the SAF 1st Special Action Battalion, were among the commandos who raided the hideout of wanted fugitive Lumbayan Dubar Macaayong in Barangay Bagoaingod in Ganassi town last Sunday.

Macaayong had warrants of arrest issued by a court in Iligan City for four counts of murder, three for frustrated murder as well as attempted murder cases.

Macaayong was killed during a two-hour standoff. An M16 rifle was recovered from his possession. ­– Emmanuel Tupas, Mark Ernest Villeza