By Genalyn Kabiling
Mustering bravery is never easy but the public can draw inspiration from valiant Filipino soldiers who fought during the Korean War in overcoming today's challenges, President Duterte said Thursday night.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (ALBERT ALCAIN / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
The President issued the call for solidarity as he paid tribute to the bravery and heroism of Filipino soldiers on the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War on June 25.
More than 7,000 Filipino troops were sent when war broke out in the Korean peninsula in 1950. The Philippines was the first Asian nation to respond to the United Nations to send troops to defend South Korea against a communist invasion.
"We must recognize bravery is not easy to muster. We must remember heroism is very seldom seen and we must reaffirm values so sacred they form the bedrock of our special bilateral ties," the President said in a message posted on the RTVM website Thursday night.
"As the world faces emerging challenges yet, let the memory of those who fell in the Korean War inspire us all to rise together jointly in solidarity," he said.
The President, in his message, remembered the Philippine contingent whose heroism and sacrifice helped defend South Koreans in battles such as the Battle of Yultong and Battle of Hill Eerie. He defended such troop deployment abroad saying Filipinos have never hesitated in defending freedom.
"Seven decades ago, more than 7,000 young Filipino soldiers joined allies in the Korean War. From the great battle of Yultong to the battle of Eerie Hill, Filipinos never faltered in defending freedom and democratic way of life," Duterte said.
"We honor the Filipinos and soldiers of all nations who fought valiantly in that war. There is no other way," he said.
The President’s latest message on unity and courage comes as the country struggles to fight the coronavirus disease. The coronavirus has infected 33,069 people in the country as of June 25. At least 8,910 people have recovered while 1,212 died due to the illness.
The government has enforced a strict lockdown at the start of the disease outbreak last March but recently gradually eased the restrictions to revive the stalled economy. The community quarantine across the country will end on June 30 and will be relaxed, extended, or reverted by the President.