TODAY is the day when we not only look back at the bravery and greatness of our Filipino heroes, but also look forward to a better future as we collect and claim the gains of their courage and selflessness.
But we also remember the Moro martyrs who fought for our land. They are those whose stories have been forgotten by time or missed by history books.
We pay tribute to them.
To Sultan Alimudin and Datu Ache of Sulu. To the Rajah of Buayan, Silongan. To Sultan Mawallil Wasit Bungsu of Jolo. To Datu Akadir Amai Pakpak and Datu Ampunagus of Lanao. To Kapitan Laut Buisan of Maguindanao. To Sultan Kudarat of Maguindanao.
They are just some of the Moro heroes.
We are forever indebted to them – they, who offered lives in the name of freedom. They are those who died for us and our children. They are our patriots whose legacy of valor and courage became our own source of strength and enthusiasm – that we become a free people, a free nation.
Today, our celebration of independence is marked with more meaning and significance because these days, the Bangsamoro is fighting the enormous battle for self-determination – and this is the essence that fueled the valiancy shown by our forebears.
In the Bangsamoro, having self-determination will allow us the freedom to prove that we can rise above the challenge of impacting positive change in our lives and our communities.
We are fighting for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. And there are still other challenges ahead of us – the fight against poverty, the fight for justice and peace, the fight for equality, the fight for self-determination.
As Moro people, we inherited the greatness of our own heroes and the spirit to persevere and triumph despite the storm. We should take inspiration from these heroes as we take on and win over the challenges of our generation.
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