09 November 2015 – Philippine Senate President Franklin Drilon, together with Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez, Embassy officials, and members of the Senate President’s official delegation, paid tribute to the countless fallen Filipino and Korean soldiers who fought for South Korea’s freedom and democracy.
In a simple wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial of Korea on October 29, the Senate President remembered the sacrifices and valor of the 112 Filipino soldiers who were killed in action during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.
After offering flowers, Senate President Drilon signed the dedication book where he gave recognition to the Filipino soldiers who fought alongside their Korean brothers. The Senate President also conveyed his appreciation to the Korean government for honoring, with utmost gratitude, their contribution and sacrifices.
The Philippines is the first Asian country to send troops to bolster the UN forces defending South Korea. A total of 7,420 officers and men of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) served in Korea, in particular in battles in Yultong and Hill Eerie, among others.
In a separate wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery, the Senate President also offered flowers to commemorate Korean veterans who died during the Korean independence movement, the Korean War, as well as the Vietnam War.
The Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu is Korea’s only national cemetery, established in 1956 by President Syngman Rhee. It is where war veterans, patriots, former presidents, generals and other fallen heroes are buried.
The Senate President was in South Korea from October 28 to 31 on the invitation of South Korea’s National Assembly. During his visit, the Senate President was able to hold meetings with Korea’s Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-Ahn, Speaker Chung Ui-Hwa, Representative Choi, Gyu-Sung, Deputy Minister JooHyung-Hwan of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, and Mr. Lee Duk-Hoon, President of the Export-Import Bank of Korea. END