THE Korean Peninsula on June 25, 1950, was plunged into a devastating conflict that would divide a nation, claim millions of lives, and alter the course of international history. Today, 75 years later, that same date is remembered not only as a day of sorrow, but also a time to honor the courage of those who fought, and to recommit to the promise of peace.
The event, held at the Peace Room of the Parañaque City Public Library on Wednesday (June 25), commemorated the “heroic acts” of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK), who fought alongside South Korean forces during the Korean War.
The theme, “Comrades who fought together! Let’s attain Unification of the Korean Peninsula,” echoed the call not just to remember, but to continue the mission of peace and unity that so many laid down their lives for.
The event opened with remarks from Mr. John Rommel Garces, Chief Branch Manager of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a South Korea-based international peace organization founded by Chairman Lee Man-hee, himself a Korean War veteran. His message reflected on the transformation of a soldier into a peace advocate, urging all nations to pursue reconciliation over conflict.
The aging PEFTOK veterans were visibly moved by the tribute, namely Vet. Rodrigo Ereño (age 93) from the 14th Battalion Command Team and Vet. Prudencio Manuel (age 87) from the 2nd Battalion Command Team. They shared their wartime stories during the heartfelt segment, “Kwento ng Kagitingan.”
Ereno recalled a harrowing moment — “When the Armistice was signed, we, the 14th BCT, were at the front line. Before the signing by the Armistice Commission, the North Korean and Chinese armies began bombing our position.”
Despite the danger and hardship, he looked back with pride and hope. In his message to HWPL Chairman Lee, he commended his fellow Korean War veteran for dedicating his life to peace, saying “Talaga namang ako’y hangang-hanga sa progreso ng South Korea. I hope na darating, ang araw ang North at South Korea ay magkaisa na alang-alang sa katahimikan ng buong Korea. ‘Yan ang panalangin ko. Para sa organisasyon at sa mga bumubuo ng peace organization na tinayo ni Chairman Lee. Maraming salamat sa iyong pagpupunyagi na maitaguyod ang kapayapaan dito sa Pilipinas.”
Manuel, on the other hand, recounted volunteering for PEFTOK at a young age, without prior experience. He found inspiration in a message posted on a wall that read, “Through this passage pass the best soldiers in the world,” which he said emboldened him.
The veterans received messages from the Korean people, along with long-delayed certificates of recognition, portraits and flowers from young Koreans who expressed their gratitude.
Messages like “Thank you for your service. You gave us a future. Salamat po,” made the event deeply emotional, bridging the gap between generations.
Jovena Damasen, president of the PEFTOK Veterans Association and daughter of a veteran, emphasized the legacy her father’s generation leaves behind. “They did not go there to kill… It was to fight for peace and to help our South Korean brothers when they were in need. It’s been 75 years, and still, our Korean brothers have not forgotten us,” she said.
This event not only brought together comrades who once fought in war, but also highlighted their role as messengers of peace inspiring the future generations. The struggle for peace did not end on the battlefield, but must be continued by the generations they helped protect. (UnliNews Online)
