From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 90): President Aquino commends BRP Sierra Madre marines for withstanding foreign intrusion
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday commended members of the Philippine Marines who for five months stayed at the marooned naval vessel BRP Sierra Madre to guard the Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) against foreign intrusion.
During the 72nd Araw ng Kagitngan (Day of Valor) celebration rites atMt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan , President Aquino said that alongside honoring war veterans, it was only a fitting day to also honor others who have served the country just the same.
"Isang halimbawa nga po nito ang sakripisyong inialay ng siyam sa magigiting nating mga Marino, sa pangunguna ni 1st Lieutenant Mike Pelotera, na huling nadestino sa Ayungin Shoal," the President said in his speech.
He noted that the sacrifices they have made were also worthy to be honored.
"Isipin na lang ninyo ang pambihirang sakripisyong ipinamalas ng kanilang grupo: Sa loob ng halos limang buwan, ang kanilang mundo ay uminog lamang sa karagatan," President Aquino said.
He further said that they had to withstand having no communications with their families
"Araw-gabi, sakay ng nakatirik na BRP Sierra Madre, ay nakaangkla lamang ang kanilang dedikasyon sa pagtutok at pagbabantay ng ating teritoryo," the President said.
"Kaya naman po, kasama ng ating mga beterano, kabilang din ang mga kawal na tulad nila sa mga kinikilala natin ngayon. Saludo po ang sambayanang Pilipino sa inyo," he added.
The President then cited how the government has allotted over 38 projects from July 2010 to March 2014 for the modernization and capability upgrade of the Philippine Navy which includes providing them with modernized firearms.
"Sa ganito man lang pong paraan ay mapapagaan natin ang mga hindi-birong tungkulin na kanilang tinutupad upang paglingkuran ang ating bansa," the President said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=633736
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday commended members of the Philippine Marines who for five months stayed at the marooned naval vessel BRP Sierra Madre to guard the Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) against foreign intrusion.
During the 72nd Araw ng Kagitngan (Day of Valor) celebration rites at
"Isang halimbawa nga po nito ang sakripisyong inialay ng siyam sa magigiting nating mga Marino, sa pangunguna ni 1st Lieutenant Mike Pelotera, na huling nadestino sa Ayungin Shoal," the President said in his speech.
He noted that the sacrifices they have made were also worthy to be honored.
"Isipin na lang ninyo ang pambihirang sakripisyong ipinamalas ng kanilang grupo: Sa loob ng halos limang buwan, ang kanilang mundo ay uminog lamang sa karagatan," President Aquino said.
He further said that they had to withstand having no communications with their families
"Araw-gabi, sakay ng nakatirik na BRP Sierra Madre, ay nakaangkla lamang ang kanilang dedikasyon sa pagtutok at pagbabantay ng ating teritoryo," the President said.
"Kaya naman po, kasama ng ating mga beterano, kabilang din ang mga kawal na tulad nila sa mga kinikilala natin ngayon. Saludo po ang sambayanang Pilipino sa inyo," he added.
The President then cited how the government has allotted over 38 projects from July 2010 to March 2014 for the modernization and capability upgrade of the Philippine Navy which includes providing them with modernized firearms.
"Sa ganito man lang pong paraan ay mapapagaan natin ang mga hindi-birong tungkulin na kanilang tinutupad upang paglingkuran ang ating bansa," the President said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=633736