(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte led the ceremony for the heroes of the country at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Monday morning, and stressed the value of “dying for one’s country.”
The President arrived a few minutes after 8 a.m. for the rites.
Other government officials, namely Vice President Leni Robredo and Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa also attended the ceremony.
Foreign diplomats, including Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua, was also present at the venue.
President Duterte laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and gave his speech afterward.
In his speech, Duterte expressed admiration for one of the country’s great heroes, Jose Abad Santos.
“The one I consider as among the top was the late Justice Jose Abad Santos,” the President said.
He related the story of how the late justice relayed to his son the great value of “dying for the country.”
“Not everybody is given the chance to die for his country,” the President said.
He explained how he he has been trying to restore order in the country.
He explained his efforts to talk with the various rebel groups, including the communist and the Muslim rebels in efforts to have peace in the land.
