PAGADIAN CITY, June 12 (PIA) - Pagadian City was filled with cheer in celebration of the Philippines’ 125th Independence day with the theme: independence, future, history.

Showcasing talent, music and fun, the local government of Pagadian in collaboration with the city’s men in uniform hold a ‘Musikalayaan’ Concert and a static display of armaments from various military units in Plaza Luz, Pagadian City.

In between the meaningful singing and dance numbers that echoes the significance of the occasion, the spectators witness the close quarter battle presentation from the 902nd maneuver company regional mobile force battalion 9. The presentation includes sniper initiation, proper handcuffing, disarming technique and hostage rescue. The hostage crises rescue is made up of the assault team, the sniper team, the medical team and the support team.  

Some Friends Rescued (FR) also shared their story of liberty and call for the parents and guardians to look after their children so that young people may not be recruited by the communist group. The FRs thank the 53rd Infantry Battalion for saving them and supporting them in their journey towards freedom.

The 53rd Infantry Matapat Battalion Infantry Rifle Squad performed the squad tactic which is use by the Philippine soldiers to maintain the peace and order in the country. In the scenario, the 9-member infantry rifle squad--the smallest military unit having elements to confront the enemy face-to-face were conducting a patrol operation to find and neutralize the enemy.

Further, all line of units showcased their military uniform. In the military organization the uniform reflects order and discipline. Wearing it demands obedience through the displayed variety of insignia and budges that indicate and emphasized the remarkable structure of the organization. It also helps creates identity and appearance and promotes brotherhood.

The military uniform is a form of clothing with a particular symbolism and above history and tradition. Considered as  an essential element of the military, it has become a distinctive sign, designed primarily to show a branch of service. It represents a visual evidence of visual authority and responsibility vested in the individual.

Among those who presented their uniforms are the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine National Police including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) and Canine Unit in Pagadian City, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The same units has set-up their respective booths and displayed a wide range of weaponry and equipment. Locals and tourists enjoy hopping from one both to another, having the opportunity to hold and take pictures of weapons used by the peacekeepers in their day to day operations.

Meanwhile, also joining the celebration are the senior high school students from the Local Youth Development Office offering free face painting to the spectators.

Among the performers in the  concert are the BFP Band, Mahigalaon Band  of the 1st Civil Military Operations Mahigalaon Battalion and Singer Sid Rodriguez, the Pinyalan Cultural Dance Group and the 1st FAB Beat 'em Movers.

In his message, Mayor Samuel Co thank all the units of military and police who join the city in the celebration of the Independence day. In return, he assured them of the city’s support and commitment to work hand in hand in all their activities in securing the peace and order under their jurisdiction specially within the city of Pagadian.

“Again, let us celebrate freedom that our forefathers have fought heroically for us more than a century ago. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Pagadian! Asenso Pagadian!” Mayor Co said.  (NBE/CCP/PIA9)