AFP to launch Red Rose Pin
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will honor its fallen troops by inaugurating the Red Rose Pin on its 82nd anniversary celebration on December 20.
Colonel Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, said at yesterday’s Task Force Bangon Marawi press briefing that this will be the first time the AFP will launch the badge to honor troopers who died during operations.
“Ito po ay isang badge na gagamitin po o ipakikilala sa araw na iyon kung saan ito po ay isusuot ng lahat ng mga kaanak ng mga namatay na sundalo, at ganoon din po ang mga sibilyan na gustong ipakita ang kanilang pagkilala sa ating mga namatay na sundalo (This badge will be introduced on the 20th and will be worn by relatives of fallen soldiers and by civilians who want to honor them),” he told reporters in Malacañang.
Arevalo said the badge aims to remind everyone of the sacrifices of the soldiers who risked their lives for the country.
Arevalo said the first set of Red Rose Pins will be distributed during the celebration of AFP’s anniversary next Wednesday to the relatives of the fallen soldiers.
“Ine-expect po natin na ’yung ating mga bisita na kaanak ng mga tatanggap ng parangal na namatay sa mga labanan ay sila ang unangunang magsusuot nito (We are expecting that the first to wear these pins will be the relatives of the fallen troops who will be recognized on Wednesday),” he said.
“Hindi lang ‘yan para sa December 20, kundi every time na meron po tayong pagtitipon (The pins will not only be distributed on December 20 but also every time we will meet),” he added.
The theme for this year’s anniversary celebration of the AFP is “Protecting the People, Securing the State”. President Duterte will be the guest of honor on the event.
The Red Rose Pin is a badge which shows a single rose while its stem is wrapped inside a bunting ribbon with the colors of the Philippine flag. The sun and two stars are in front of the ribbon. The words “Lest We Forget” is on the bottom of the badge.