PNP joins the Commemoration of the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan
On April 9, 2025, the country commemorated the 83rd Anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), honoring the heroism and sacrifices of both Filipino and American soldiers who fought side by side during World War II, particularly in the heroic defense of the Bataan Peninsula against the Japanese forces.
Leading this year’s national observance was His Excellency, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., joined by His Excellency Endo Kazuya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines; Mr. Robert Y. Ewing, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, and various government officials, including Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Chief of the Philippine National Police, together with the country’s World War II veterans at Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan.
During the commemoration, PBBM honored the memory of the valiant heroes who defended the defense of Bataan, stating: “This year’s commemoration shows that our country is a cradle of heroes and heroines—a home of noble men and women who, regardless of risk or cost, willingly gave a part of themselves and even their lives for the sake of their beloved nation. In honoring our forebears, may we recognize that valor is not solely about strength and resolve in the face of adversity but also about small acts of compassion, generosity, and kindness that creates meaningful ripples of positive change in our communities.”
“As we face our challenges, may we follow their example by advancing causes that improve the lives of our fellow Filipinos. Through acts of genuine service and self-offering to the nation, we can prove that we are not only made of the same noble stock as our noteworthy ancestors but also the rightful heirs of their heroic legacy and the faithful successors of their struggle to build a strong, secure, and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas”, he added.
This same heroic bravery was recently displayed by personnel of the Police Regional Offices (PROs) 4A and 5 during a joint police operation on March 28 in Barangay Manggagawa, Guinayangan, Quezon. At around 6:45 in the morning, personnel of the Guinayangan Municipal Police Station headed by Police Major Julio G. Dogta, Acting Chief of Police, in collaboration with the Regional Intelligence Unit 4A (RIU 4A) together with the Regional Intelligence Division PRO 5 (RID PRO5) served a warrant of arrest to two of the Most Wanted Persons in the said municipality.
The suspects—identified as Richard Rabe and Roy Armillo, both residents of Libon, Albay, with pending arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 145, Judicial Region of Ligao City, Albay. They were accompanied by a certain Mon Revera who is a native of Camarines Sur. With no intention of surrendering, the suspects engaged in an armed encounter with the authorities, wounding four police officers before fleeing the area.
The wounded police officers were: Police Chief Master Sergeant Crisologo M. Castillo, assigned in Guinayangan MPS; Police Executive Master Sergeant Alex Maigue, and Police Staff Sergeant John James Red, both members of RIU PRO 4A; and PCMS Domingo Jalmasco, assigned in RID, PRO 5. All were immediately brought to the Quezon Provincial Hospital Network-Quezon Medical Center (QPHN-QMC) in Lucena City, where they received medical treatment. Fortunately, all four of them were in stable conditions.
Police Colonel Ruben B. Lacuesta, Provincial Director of the Quezon Police Provincial Office, stated that manhunt and dragnet operations, in collaboration with the Philippine Army are ongoing to apprehend the three identified suspects.
All the wounded police officers were awarded the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting in recognition to their bravery and sacrifice while performing their sworn duties.
The Philippine National Police under the leadership of PGen Marbil not only joins the nation in honoring the heroes of the past through its tireless service but also leads the Filipino people in preserving peace, as well as in protecting the rights of every citizen, and in upholding the law. In every police operation, community program, and public service, PNP continues to embody and promote the spirit of “valor” that our ancestors demonstrated in the battles of the past.
