04 February 2015 - The Philippines honored the South Korean military official most responsible for successfully realizing and sustaining the yearlong deployment of South Korean engineering and medical troops ending in December 2014 to areas devastated by Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.
“In recognition of his leadership and professionalism, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have decided to award Vice Admiral Koo Ok-hyoeone of the highest distinctions possible, the Chief of Staff Commendation Medal and Ribbon,” Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez said at the conferment ceremony held on January 29 at the Embassy Chancery in Seoul.
“Vice Admiral Koo played a crucial role in generating and organizing the necessary resources to form and deploy the Republic of Korea Military Joint Support Group, more popularly known as the Araw Contingent,” Ambassador Hernandez said before placing the medal accorded by AFP Chief of Staff Gen Gregorio Catapang Jr.
“This decoration distinguishes not only Vice Admiral Koo for this actions but gives honor to the men and women who served in the Araw Contingent for their dedication to their duty, and pride to the people and government of the Republic of Korea for their generosity and compassion in loyally standing by an old friend,” the Ambassador emphasized.
In reply, Vice Admiral Koo thanked the Philippines, an ally “tied by blood” to South Korea, for deploying 7,500 young combatants to Korea during the Korean War and gave tribute especially to the 430 Filipino soldiers injured or killed in action “while safeguarding the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea.”
Crediting South Korea’s development to the “sacred sacrifice” of the dead, Vice Admiral Koo thanked the Philippine Government “as a citizen and a military officer” of South Korea. “The Araw Contingent was deployed under the just and great cause of returning the grace as well as to contribute to world peace by supporting the recovery from the typhoon.”
Currently Superintendent of the Korean Naval Academy in Jinhae, Vice Admiral Koo also expressed honor and humility over the commendation, “when all I did was the only right thing to do.” He also gave recognition to Araw Contingent Commander Col. Lee Chul-won and Deputy Commander YooNak-gyun for successfully completing their mission.
Staying the Philippines from 28 December 2013 until 22 December 2014, the Araw Contingent undertook infrastructure rehabilitation, the rescue of abandoned vehicles, distribution of water supplies, clearing of typhoon debris, feeding programs, distribution of relief goods, donation of books and granting of scholarships.
The Contingent, whose members were called “Araw Angels” by the local populace, made considerable impact in the typhoon-battered areas, having reconstructed or repaired 66 facilities, including 37 schools, 17 government offices and eight hospitals during their 358 days in Tolosa, Palo and Tanauan in Leyte province in eastern Visayas.
Further, the engineering and medical troops provided medical treatment to more than 41,000 residents and fumigated some 250 areas. They also engaged in cultural exchanges, organizing a K-Pop dance contest, film screenings, Korean language classes and a basketball tournament.
In May 2014, members of the the Araw Contingent were awarded a Military Civic Action Medal by then AFP Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista. Last June, it was also given the Bakas Parangal Award by the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) for their relief efforts. END