PH Embassy in South Korea Commemorates 69^th Anniversary of the Philippines’ Participation in the Korean War

Ambassador to South Korea Noe A. Wong with Director B General Jeong Dae Hyun (The War Memorial), Young Ministry of Patriots & Veterans Affairs Director-General Kim Ju, United Nations Command Deputy Commander Vice Admiral Stuart Mayer and United Nations Korean War Allies Association Chairman Chi Kap Chong. (Seoul PE photo)

SEOUL 21 October 2019 — The Philippine Embassy in Seoul commemorated the 69^th anniversary of the participation of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces To Korea (PEFTOK) in the Korean War in a solemn ceremony on 17 September 2019 at the War Memorial of Korea.

To honor the Filipino heroes of the Korean War, Ambassador to South Korea Noe A. Wong led a wreath laying ceremony that was participated in by Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MVPA) Director General Kim Ju Young representing Minister Park Sam-duk, United Nations Command (UNC) Deputy Commander Vice Admiral Stuart Mayer, War Memorial Director BGen. Jeong Dae Hyun, and United Nations Korean War Allies Association Chairman Mr. Chi Kap Chong.

The Ambassadors from Greece, Thailand, Norway, and Ethiopia were also in attendance as well as members of the diplomatic corps, officers and staff of the Embassy, officers and cadets from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and members of the Filipino community who all offered flowers after the wreath laying ceremony.

In his remarks, Ambassador Noe A. Wong recalled the arrival of 1,400 Filipino soldiers in Busan on 19 September 1950, the first of the five Filipino battalions that helped defend the freedom, democracy, and peace in South Korea. The five Filipino battalions that served under the United Nations Command (UNC) came to be known as the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK). Ambassador Wong affirmed that PEFTOK was, and remains to be, a symbol of sacrifice and great friendship between the Philippines and South Korea. Furthermore, Ambassador Wong underscored the significance of the occasion in light of this year’s celebration of the 70^th Anniversary of the Philippines-Korea Diplomatic Relations by citing how the two countries have built and nurtured a strong tradition of friendship and cooperation on all fronts.

In their respective remarks, UNC Deputy Commander Admiral Stuart Mayer also paid tribute to the bravery of Filipino soldiers during the Korean War describing them as “second to none in battle and devotion to duty,” while MPVA Director-General Kim Ju Young reiterated South Korea’s gratefulness for the  Philippines’ assistance during the Korean War and in the rebuilding of South Korea in time of peace.

The Korean War began on 25 June 1950 and the Philippines was the first Asian country to respond to the call by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to send combat troops in the defense of South Korea from the invasion of the North. PEFTOK was composed of 7,420 soldiers and their bravery and combat proficiency stood out especially during the Battle of Yuldong and the Battle of Eerie Hill. PEFTOK casualties included 116 Killed in Action, 299 Wounded in Action, 57 Missing in Action and 41 Repatriated Prisoners of War. END

Wreaths offered at the Memorial for the Filipino Heroes at the Korean War Memorial in Yongsan, Seoul. (Seoul PE photo)

Mrs. Carmeline Angeles (leftmost) Mme. Maria Elena Wong (second from left) and Greek Ambassador to South Korea Ifigeneia Kontoleontos (rightmost) offer flowers at the memorial. (Seoul PE photo)

Officers and staff of the Embassy, members of the Filipino Community and guests offer flowers at the memorial. (Seoul PE photo)

Ambassador to South Korea Noe A. Wong delivers his remarks at Vice Admiral Stuart Stuart Mayer speaking at

the ceremony. (Seoul PE photo)

Ambassador to South Korea Noe A. Wong (fourth from right) together with Mme. Maria Elena Wong (second from left) pose with Mme. Lapisatepun (leftmost), Greek Ambassador to South Korea Ifigeneia Kontoleontos (third from left), United Nations Korean War Allies Association (UNKWAA) Chairman Mr. Chi Kap Chong (fourth from left), Thai Ambassador to South Korea Singtong Lapisatepun (third from right), United Nations Command Deputy Commander Vice Admiral Stuart Mayer (second from right), and Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Armil Angeles (rightmost) at the reception. (Seoul PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.seoulpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philembassy-seoul.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHinKorea/.