PNoy to Lead ‘Araw ng Kagitingan’ Commemoration

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the commemoration of “Araw ng Kagitingan” that will be held in Pilar, Bataan on Wednesday, April 9, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on Sunday.

Coloma said that the highlight of the event will be President Aquino’s speech to pay his and the Filipino people’s respect to the brave veterans who gave their lives for our freedom.

“Sa darating na Miyerkules, ika-siyam ng Abril, ipagdiriwang ng bansa ang Araw ng Kagitingan. Sentro ng selebrasyon ang Mount Samat National Shrine sa Pilar, Bataan kung saan magtatalumpati si Pangulong Aquino upang itanghal ang kabayanihan ng mga sundalong Pilipino noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig,” Coloma said.

He added that simultaneous celebrations will be held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani and other venues on Wednesday.

“Magkakaroon din ng mga palatuntunan upang gunitain ang sakripisyo ng mga lumahok sa Death March na nagtapos sa Capas, Tarlac. Meron din pong ibang selebrasyon na idaraos sa Libingan ng mga Bayani at iba pang lugar,” Coloma said.

The Bataan Death March, which began on April 9, 1942, was the forcible transfer by the Imperial Japanese Army of 60,000–80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war after the three-month Battle of Bataan in the Philippines during World War II.

Approximately 2,500–10,000 Filipino and 100–650 American prisoners of war died before they could reach their destination at Camp O’Donnell.