Army honors vets, marks 68th Korean War anniversary

Honoring Filipino war veterans who fought to help save lives during the conflict, the Philippine Army led a wreathlaying ceremony at the Korean War Memorial Pylon of the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani in Taguig earlier this week.

Army Vice Commander, Maj. Gen. Robert Arevalo led the event held in commemoration of the 68th anniversary of the Korean War with South Korean Ambassador Han Dong-man, as guest of honor and speaker.

The Philippine Army said the Korean War that broke up the Korean Peninsula happened when 75,000 troops of North Korea poured across the 38th parallel pushing into South Korea.

“The epic bravery of the 7,420 gallant and courageous Filipino soldiers to compose the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) being the first to heed the United Nations’ call to lend a helping hand to our Korean brethren during the time when their hopes, lives and freedom were put into peril,” the Philippine Army said.

Retired Army Col. Sixto Belen, president of PEFTOK Veterans Association Inc., recalled that despite limited resources PEFTOK still managed to give its utmost contribution to save the lives of people in a foreign land, battling not only the fierceness of war but homesickness, language disparity and the harsh Korean winter.

Retired Lt. Gen. Ernesto Carolina, now undersecretary of Philippine Veterans Affairs, Department of National Defense, said that in the chronicles of military history, PEFTOK has proven its valor and gallantry and undying commitment as warriors for peace.

“The most notable Battle in Yuldong and the Battle of Hill Eerie cost the lives of 50 Filipino soldiers, 15 were declared missing and at least 128 were wounded,” he said.

“The PEFTOK deserved the title of heroes, because without their sweat, blood and tears Republic of Korea will not be enjoying the peace, democracy and economic prosperity that it has today,” Ambassador Han Dong-Man said.

As a token of South Korea’s appreciation, the ambassador granted scholarships to 187 PEFTOK beneficiaries composed of 40 from the elementary, 100 in high school and 47 in college.

“The PEFTOK heroism will never be forgotten and our generation shall be inspired by the bravery and heroism of our veterans that is worth emulating for the youth and the new breed of soldiers who work for peace in the countryside,” Arevalo said.