Former Davao City Police Office (DCPO) City Director and ex-government official Isidro Lapeña emphasized on Wednesday that the enemies Filipinos face today are no longer foreign soldiers in uniform but rather the pervasive threats of injustice and corruption.
Speaking as the keynote speaker during the commemoration of the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan at the Veterans Memorial Monument in Davao City, Lapeña paid tribute to Filipino soldiers who valiantly fought against the Japanese army during World War II. He reflected on their sacrifices while drawing parallels to the modern-day battles Filipinos face.
“Today’s enemies are not in foreign uniforms or arriving in warships, but they are no less dangerous. They come in the form of injustice, corruption, misinformation, and attacks against the very institutions that safeguard our democracy and uphold our sovereignty,” Lapeña stated.
Lapeña, who previously served as Secretary of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and chief of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) during the Duterte administration, also addressed the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, facing charges of crimes against humanity for his controversial campaign against illegal drugs.
“One such troubling matter that weighs heavily on our national conscience is the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Regardless of political beliefs, this moment has undeniably sent ripples across the nation and outraged many Filipinos,” he said.
Lapeña expressed concerns about the impartiality of the Philippine justice system, questioning whether Duterte deserved the treatment he received.
“After everything Tatay Digong did for us Dabawenyos and for the country as a whole, did he deserve to be treated as he was? After Tatay Digong allowed the strongman the honor of a hero’s burial, did he deserve to be repaid as he was by the strongman’s son? Did Tatay Digong, a former president and senior citizen, deserve to be treated by the same police and military officers he uplifted during his term? I believe I speak for everyone here when I say the answer is an overwhelming and resounding ‘no!’” Lapeña declared.
He likened Duterte’s sacrifices to those of the defenders of Bataan 83 years ago, who stood their ground against overwhelming odds for the greater good of the Filipino people.
“It can be likened to the sacrifices made by the defenders of Bataan 83 years ago—individuals who, against overwhelming odds, chose to stand their ground not for personal gain but for the greater good of the Filipino people,” he said.
Lapeña urged Filipinos not to let current controversies overshadow the memory and contributions of Duterte during his time in office.
“Particularly his aggressive campaign against illegal drugs, which brought peace and restored order to communities long plagued by crime and abuse, offering thousands a chance to choose a different path,” he concluded.
