Araw ng Kagitingan

The Day of Valour, also known as the Araw ng Kagitingan, commemorates the Filipino and American soldiers who stood up against Japanese forces during World War II. On 9 April 1942, Luzon Force, Bataan commander Major General Edward P King, Jr, surrendered more than 76,000 of his starving and disease-ridden troops (64,000 Filipinos and 12,000 Americans) to Japan. This historic day marks the greatness of Filipino veterans and American allies who fought against the Japanese invasion in World War II.

Thousands of lives were lost during this dark chapter in our history in defending the country’s freedom and sovereignty. The “Fall of Bataan” serves as a constant symbol of the Filipinos’ bravery and patriotism. As captives, the soldiers were forced to endure the infamous 140-kilometre Bataan Death March to Camp O'Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. Along the way, thousands died due to famine, heat prostration, untreated wounds, and wanton or execution-style murder. Historians believe that only 54,000 of the 76,000 prisoners were able to reach Camp O'Donnell. The exact number of deaths and escapees was difficult to assess.

The Japanese did not give the prisoners food or water for three days. As the soldiers became weaker and weaker many of them started to fall behind the group. Those that fell behind were beaten and killed by the Japanese. Sometimes exhausted prisoners were driven over by trucks and other army vehicles. The march lasted for six days.

The Battle of Bataan and the Bataan Death March had greatly affected Filipinos during that time. Filipinos were put in a bad situation that led thousands of people to death. Truly, April 9, 1942 shall be remembered especially to Filipinos as Filipinos during that time fought hard for our country. They fought hard to the point that it cost their lives.

Reference/s:

https://slsu.edu.ph/events/araw-ng-kagitingan/