Celebrating freedom, with Marawi in mind

Officials of the Cebu City Government celebrated the 119th Independence Day by expressing hope that the conflict in Marawi will be resolved soon and peace in the country will prevail.

Before his speech in the program organized by the Cultural and Historical Affairs Office, Acting Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella asked for a minute of silence to pray for the fallen soldiers.

Labella thanked the military and the police for their efforts in keeping citizens free and safe.

“Today, 119 years after the Philippine flag was hoisted, is an opportune time for us to look back to express our deep gratitude to our heroes who shed their blood, sweat, and tears for giving us the air of freedom and democracy that we breathe today,” he said. “We don’t want their deaths to have been in vain.”

The acting mayor said that while he doesn’t want to sound alarmist, everyone should be proactive in addressing security needs and social problems, including the threat of extremist groups.

Labella also reminded his colleagues in the public service to continue serving the people.

“The best way that we can give significance to this Independence Day is for public officials like us to uphold the principle of accountability,” he said.

City Hall employees, Acting Vice Mayor Dave Tumulak, Councilor Sisinio Andales, and officials of the police and military attended the program yesterday. /