THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) renewed its pledge to protect the nation’s freedom and to promote awareness on the national heritage.
The AFP made the pledge as it marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Manila between Filipino and American soldiers on Feb. 4-5, 1899, and commemorated the sacrifices of the national heroes who fought for freedom during World War II.
Top-ranked military officials and other personnel held a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the memories of those who made the supreme sacrifice in the name of freedom.
AFP deputy chief Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida led soldiers and other distinguished guests who gathered together for the commemorative rites to honor the valor and sacrifice of those who fought to secure the nation’s freedom during one of the fiercest battles of World War II.
The encounter pitched an estimated 19,000 United States troopers and 15,000 Filipino freedom fighters.
The conflict erupted when the American troops, under orders to turn back the attack on their barracks, fired upon a group of Filipinos.
Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo tried to forge a ceasefire, but American General Elwell Stephen Otis rejected Aguinaldo’s attempt and fighting escalated the next day.
History has it that the skirmishes ended in favor of the Americans even as minor skirmishes continued for several more days
