Matteo Guidicelli honors Marawi liberation; shows actual flag used by soldiers

• Matteo Guidicelli shared a video on Instagram featuring the Philippine flag raised after the liberation of Marawi, alongside Major Bala Tamayo
• Major Tamayo said the flag symbolizes every life saved, every building cleared, and every soldier’s sacrifice during the Marawi siege
• Guidicelli questioned the meaning of freedom when corruption robs Filipinos of opportunities and progress
• The post honored the heroism of soldiers while urging Filipinos to refuse silence and fight for the nation they deserve

Actor and Army reservist Matteo Guidicelli shared a powerful video on Instagram featuring the Philippine flag raised after the liberation of Marawi, accompanied by Major Bala Tamayo, one of the soldiers who fought in the city.

In the short clip, Major Tamayo proudly held the historic flag and explained its significance.

“This is the original flag that we raised after liberating Marawi,” he said.

“Every building that we cleared, every life that we saved, and every soldier that sacrificed his life for our country, is represented by this flag. That’s why it means so much to me and so much to the Filipino people.”

Guidicelli’s caption reflected a deeper message about freedom, sacrifice, and the ongoing struggles faced by Filipinos.

“What does freedom truly mean, when corrupt leaders steal opportunities and suppress real progress? When they build wealth for themselves while leaving the Filipino people with less than a handful of chances? Freedom is worth fighting for but only if we REFUSE TO FORGET, REFUSE TO STAY SILENT, and stand together for the Philippines we deserve,” he wrote.

The post resonated with many of his followers, as it not only honored the bravery of soldiers who fought in Marawi but also challenged citizens to reflect on the meaning of freedom in the face of corruption and inequality.

By sharing the flag’s story, Guidicelli highlighted the enduring legacy of sacrifice and reminded Filipinos of their role in ensuring that such sacrifices are not forgotten.

Matteo Guidicelli is a Filipino-Italian actor, singer, model, and former kart racer. He began his career in motorsports at the age of 11, earning multiple awards, including three Karter of the Year titles. Transitioning into entertainment, his acting debut came in 2007 with ABS-CBN's "Gokada Go," followed by roles in "Agua Bendita" and "My Binondo Girl." In addition to his entertainment career, Matteo serves as a reservist. He has also ventured into the restaurant business, co-founding Da Gianni Cucina Italiana. Matteo is married to Sarah Geronimo.

Recently, Matteo became a topic of discussion due to his Instagram story. On the photo-sharing app, Matteo posted a mirror selfie along with a reflection. The post was about the controversial and viral 'piles of cash' photo of Brice Hernandez. Hernandez, a former DPWH engineer, is remembered for testifying before lawmakers.

He also previously took to social media to call for stronger governance anchored on transparency, accountability, and integrity amid ongoing corruption issues. He stressed that transparency allows citizens to see how decisions and budgets are made, making corruption harder to conceal. Matteo also highlighted the need for accountability, saying those who misuse power must face real consequences to ensure justice and discipline in leadership. He concluded by underscoring integrity as the cultural foundation for lasting change, encouraging both leaders and citizens to uphold honesty and moral courage.

Source: KAMI.com.gh