CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division joins the celebration of the 126th Philippine Independence Day anchored on the theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” on June 12, 2024.
Commander 4ID, Major General Jose Maria R Cuerpo II accompanied by the 901st Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural join the Surigaonons in celebrating the 126th Philippine Independence Day at the City Hall Ground, Surigao City.
Meanwhile, troops from 4ID participated in a simultaneous flag-raising ceremony spearheaded by Brigadier General George L Banzon, the Assistant Division Commander of 4ID, held inside Camp Evangelista. In addition, 4ID gave full Military Honors to the Monument of Heroes at Provincial Capitol Ground and Plaza Divisoria, in this city.
In a message delivered by Brig. Gen. Banzon, Lt. Gen. Roy M Galido, the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, gave his warmest greetings to the men and women of Philippine Army and reminded everyone of the heroic sacrifices of our forefathers which served as the foundation of the freedom we enjoy today.
“Sa mga opisyal, kawal, at kawani ng Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas, huwag natin sayangin ang kanilang nasimulan. Bagkus, atin ipagpatuloy ang kanilang ipinaglaban, para sa Kalayaan ng ating bagong Pilipinas. Nararapat lamang na ating isa-puso’t isipan ang mga aral ng kasaysayan na siyang sumasailalim sa natatanging kagitingan at hindi mapapantayan pagmamahal ng ating mga ninuno sa ating inang bayan. Sa ating sama-samang paglahok sa flag-raising ceremony na ito ay simbolo ng ating pagkakaisa at pagmamahal na walang kapantay na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang ipinaglaban na kalayaan ng ating tinatamasa sa kasalukuyan.”
Meanwhile, Major General Cuerpo II underscores the importance of unity and convergence efforts of all stakeholders, various entities, and the general populace in the attainment of peace and security in the 4ID area of responsibilities.
“On this Independence Day, let us not only celebrate our freedom but also remember the struggles and sacrifices made to attain it. With the combined efforts of the stakeholders, local government units, and various agencies, Surigao has become peaceful and developed due to the dismantling and weakening of the remaining forces of CTGs. Let us honor the legacy of those who have come before us and pledge to defend our nation’s sovereignty with unwavering loyalty and determination,” said MGen Cuerpo II.