By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
“Walang mahalagang hindi inihandog ng pusong mahal sa Bayang nagkupkop; dugo, yaman, dunong, katiisa’t pagod, buhay ma’y abuting magkalagot-lagot.” – Andres Bonifacio
In honor of Andres Bonifacio, one of the country’s most renowned national heroes, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. offered flowers at the Bonifacio Monument in Tutuban, Manila, Sunday.
Marcos also encouraged Filipinos to live by the ideals of Bonifacio amid various challenges that continue to stir up uncertainty as the citizenry treads the path towards achieving justice and equality.
The President said in a statement, “Tulad ni Gat Andres, pangalagaan natin ang ating dangal at manatiling puspos ng kadakilaan sa mga gawaing para sa ikabubuti ng lahat.”
He likewise called on the masses to take to heart the valuable lessons that the Father of Philippine Revolution taught his compatriots in the quest to free the nation from the clutches of Spanish colonial rule and move towards achieving independence.
The 30th day of November was declared as Bonifacio Day by virtue of Act No. 2946, honoring the founder of the Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK), a revolutionary group that led the country’s revolt against colonialism.
Bonifacio Day protests
President Marcos, meanwhile, will closely monitor the situation on the ground as protesters are set to hold various demonstrations as part of the ‘Trillion Peso March’ that coincides with the celebration of Bonifacio Day.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said last week that it will be deploying 15,000 personnel to ensure peace and order in key points of convergence where rallyists are expected to hold their anti-corruption protests.
Among the points of convergence in Metro Manila cited by PNP Information Chief and Spokesperson PBrig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño in a press briefing were as follows:
MANILA
- Mendiola
- Ayala Bridge
- J.P. Laurel Street corner Nagtahan
- Legarda Street corner Figueras Street
- San Sebastian Street corner Recto Avenue
- Arlegui Street corner P. Casal Street
- San Rafael Street
- Padilla Street
- 5th Street
QUEZON CITY
- People Power Monument
- Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) Shrine
- House of Representatives
- Senate Building (Pasay City)
- Independent Commission for Infrastructure office (Taguig City)
Other PNP personnel will also be deployed by the Special Action Force, as well as the Police Regional Offices of Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Earlier, the Chief Executive noted that while he acknowledges the citizenry’s outrage over the flood control mess, he expressed hope that Bonifacio Day protests will remain peaceful—encouraging protesters to refrain from acts of violence that previously occurred in September 21 nationwide anti-corruption protests.
He warned the agitators, “Tanggalin na ninyo sa isip ninyo ‘yan. Manggugulo kayo. Wala namang mangyayari. May masasaktan lang. Nasasaktan pa ‘yong mga kasama ninyo kung minsan. ‘Yong mga pulis, wala namang kinalaman ‘yong pulis.” (with report from Clay Pardilla | PTV News)
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