QUEZON CITY - The Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) veterans commemorated the 23rd Korean War Veterans of the Philippines Memorial Day and the 48th Anniversary of the PEFTOK Veterans Association, Inc. (PVAI) on 7 September 2022 at the Korean War Memorial Pylon at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City. Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator, Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the event.
USec. Mapagu, together with PVAI President, Col. Augusto S. Flores (Ret) and H.E. Kim Inchul, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, led the wreath-laying ceremony honoring the bravery and heroism of PEFTOK veterans. They were joined by Mr. Kim Hyoung Ki, Vice President of the Philippine Department of the Korean Veterans Association, Mr. Roh Junhwan, Chairman of the National Unification Advisory Committee, Mr. Shin Sungho, Vice President of the United Korean Community Association in the Philippines, and Mr. Lee Du Kang, Advisor of the Korean Marine Corps Veterans Association in the Philippines.
In his message, USec, Mapagu recalled the contributions of the PEFTOK veterans during the Korean war to achieve peace and democracy in South Korea. “Together with other nations, our PEFTOK veterans fought with all their might, and braved the unfamiliarity of a foreign land. To fulfill their mission, they remained strong and determined even with the possibility of never coming back alive to their home country. In spite of these challenges, they rose victorious and even gained major contributions to the war,” he said.
USec. Mapagu, whose uncle, PFC Carlos Mapagu, is also a PEFTOK Veteran, shared that his respect to Korean War veterans is deep-seated, having heard first-hand stories from his uncle’s exploits and hardships in the Korean War during his time as part of the “G” company of the 14th Battalion Combat Team, PEFTOK.
He also recounted how the PEFTOK veterans’ acts of bravery and selfless service led to a flourishing diplomatic relationship between South Korea and the Philippines. “This bond, formed by the common interests and cemented by the deployment of PEFTOK, grows even stronger as South Korea remains a reliable friend and ally of the Philippines,” he added.
He then thanked the South Korean Government for supporting the Filipino Korean War veterans especially during the height of the COVID-2019 pandemic, when they provided over 200,000 face masks for the Filipino veterans. In 2021, South Korea also gave more than 3.6 Million Pesos of Educational Aid for 210 scholars who are relatives of PEFTOK veterans. Since 2010, the South Korean Government has provided 40.2 Million Pesos of Educational Assistance to family members of PEFTOK Veterans.
“These assistance by the South Korean government to our PEFTOK veterans and their families are much appreciated tokens of gratitude that truly reflect our deeply-rooted mutual respect to our veterans. As such, allow me to express our appreciation to the South Korean government for their untiring support to our PEFTOK veterans and their families,” USec. Mapagu said.
A solemn flower offering by PEFTOK Veterans, their descendants and other guests was also held in remembrance of the PEFTOK troops who fought and died in Korea and the PEFTOK Veterans who passed away recently including Former President Fidel V, Ramos, BGEN. Miguel M. Villamor, and Maj. Maximo P. Young, who all became pillars of the PVAI Community.
Since 2000, September 7th of every year has been declared as the Korean War Veterans of the Philippines Memorial Day to commemorate the Philippines’ participation to the Korean War. Through Republic Act 573 or the “Philippine Military Aid to the United Nations Act” approved on 7 September 1950, the Philippines was able to send five Battalion Combat Teams to South Korea over the course of the Korean War. With a total of 7,420 personnel, the PEFTOK defended South Korea against the communist aggression of the combined North Korean People’s Army (NKPA) and the Chinese Volunteer Army (CPV). (PVAO)
