Malacañang enjoined the public to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Pacific by reaffirming faith in fundamental human rights.

In a statement, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque wished for a "solemn and meaningful" remembrance of the memorable occasion.

As the country pays homage to the forebears who valiantly fought for the Philippines, Roque asked the public to take this occasion to pause and reflect the words found in the United Nations (UN) Charter.

"'We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind; and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small,” the cited portion of the UN Charter in Roque's statement read. 

"'And for these ends, to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors, and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security,'" the cited portion continued.

World War II in the Pacific ended with Japan's surrender on August 15, 2020, nine days after the United States Army Air Force dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

Japan formally surrendered to the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union on September 2, 1945.

The Philippines had its own share of blood and lost lives due to the Second World War. Japan launched a surprise attack on the Philippines on December 8, 1941. Under the pressure of superior numbers, the defending forces withdrew to Bataan and Corregidor.

Most of the 80,000 prisoners of war captured by the Japanese at Bataan were forced to undertake the march to a prison camp 105 kilometers to the north. As many as 10,000 men were said to have died in the infamous Death March on April 9, 1942.

The Japanese occupation in the Philippines ended on July 4, 1945, but not after a three-week intense fight that resulted in the surrender of the Japanese.