Duterte stresses PH resolve to protect sovereignty in Day of Valor message

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte said that true valor was found in the Philippines' resolve to protect its sovereignty and that any intrusion by foreign institutions was a "direct challenge" to it. In her message on Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor on Thursday, Duterte paid tribute to the brave soldiers of Bataan who stood their ground during World War II. "Their sacrifice was not merely a display of military might; it was a noble proof of love for one's country," Duterte said. She also said that freedom was bought at a "high price" and a reminder that the defense of the republic was a "continuous duty that falls upon every generation." "Today, valor is found in our courage to protect our sovereignty and our discipline to uphold the rule of law," Duterte said. She reiterated that any attempt of foreign institutions to interfere with the Philippine justice system was a "direct challenge to the freedom that our heroes fought for in Bataan,". referring to the arrest of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, by the International Criminal Court. The arrest was described as an extraordinary rendition or a "kidnapping" by the vice president. "We are capable of governing ourselves and enforcing our own laws under our own courts," she said. Duterte urged Filipinos to "never surrender" like the heroes of Bataan and face challenges "with the same spirit of resilience—stand for a strong, safe, and truly free Philippines."

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