Heroes of today

When we talk about heroes, we usually think of our National Heroes whose names appear in History books. However, there are so many kinds of heroes existing in our community. Some of them are the members of the uniformed services who have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting the land we are living in.

As part of their oath to this country, their duties include becoming frontliners in any disaster or emergency and they are mandated to fulfill it even to the point of giving their last breath in service – but it is hoped that it will not come to this.

As frontliners, they are put in areas to guard and secure the communities. They are the first ones to be deployed in emergencies to take care of accident victims, conduct security checkpoints and deliver relief goods to affected areas or communities.

Without question, they do their part when asked to do so. They can even be asked to return from vacation during alerts and when situations call for it. This is how difficult their duties are but they choose to pour their hearts out and embrace their noble profession.

They are the heroes of their own families for choosing to serve other people and having little time for their own children.

They are heroes of the land for meeting the challenge, wearing with pride the uniforms they are mandated to wear.

Just recently, a gunfight in Apayao province in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) resulted in the untimely demise of a Filipino soldier at the hands of a fellow Filipino. Such situations are the result of the fight of a senseless ideology that engages in armed struggle, creating fears and threats to the communities, which is why the government forces had to stop and neutralize them.

While the fallen heroes are honored, it is also important to note that people have to do something so that the lives are not sacrificed in vain. The people should not only condemn but act together to help in eliminating these peace spoilers and encourage them to come home, live in peace and have their issues addressed at the table – legally and peacefully.

It is when we act and educate more people about how terror groups are not beneficial that we help in decreasing their numbers and avoid more sacrificed lives.

Heroes are not only those who became martyrs and lead people to fight for freedom; it is also a deserving title for everyone who is working to execute their sworn duty and help protect the people and country, no matter what their positions are.

It is hoped that there would be no more fallen heroes but simply Heroes for their positive actions for the people, family, community and the country as a whole.

After all, Heroes in this world are humans too. They have emotions, families, friends and personal lives.

As we celebrate National Heroes day on Monday, may it serve as an eye opener to the public that we have our duties and responsibilities as citizens to cooperate and work together to leave no chance for these heartless terrorists to wander around every community – you can be our Hero in your own little ways.

Salute to all our real life and modern day heroes! – Janine A. Martin, Tadian, Mountain Province