Defend Freedom and Democracy, Soldiers Told On Eve Of RP Independence Day

A Philippine flag inside the military's Southern Command in Zamboanga City is zoomed. Filipinos are celebrating their 108th Independence Day, Monday 12 June 2006, with marches and programs commemorating the country's freedom from Spain which ruled the Philippines for more than 350 years. (Zamboanga Journal)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Zamboanga City / 11 Jun) The commander of military forces in the southern Philippines Major General Gabriel Habacon reminded troops to defend freedom and democracy as Filipinos celebrate the country's 108th Independence Day on Monday, June 12.

"Let us defend freedom and democracy from those who are trying to grab power and bring down the democratic government. Let us all stay united and always fight for the truth and to defend freedom and democracy of every Filipinos, not only in the country, but around the world, as we celebrate Independence Day," Habacon, a decorated and veteran of many insurgency wars in the restive region, told soldiers in Zamboanga City.

Habacon referred to Abu Sayyaf terrorists and political and militant groups with links to communist insurgents that are fighting to topple the Arroyo government. He also reminded troops to stay apolitical and loyal to the Constitution. "We must, at all times, stay united and loyal to the Constitution and the Filipino people that we served," he said.

Maria Isabelle Climaco, Zamboanga City Vice Mayor, also called on residents to celebrate Independence Day by remembering the country's heroes and those who fought for liberation.

"Let us remember them, who fought to regain our precious freedom. Let us offer our prayers and spend some hours remembering our national heroes and those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom," she said.

The Filipino flag will also fly from Auckland Harbour Bridge on Monday in recognition of the Philippines Independence Day. The flag will be flown from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

The New Zealand Transit Authority considers requests from nations wanting to commemorate their country’s national days. Recently the Swedish, Italian and Samoan flags have all flown on the eight-lane road bridge that spans the Waitemata Harbour joining Freemans Bay in Auckland City with Northcote in North Shore City.

The bridge spans a total distance of 1.15 km with a main span of 243.8 meters and rises 43.27 meters above the high tide level.