Nuclear weapons will not make the world a freer, stronger, and more secure place, President Duterte said Monday in rallying nations to reject war and eliminate such weapons.
The President issued a call for peace in his message marking the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan.
“Seventy-five years ago, the world learned that the full power of nuclear weapons was finally unleashed on the people of Hiroshima. That defining moment in history documented and revealed in great detail came with a grim suffering, crippling pain, and horrific tales. Today, we remember the lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: No goals, however lofty, can justify weapons that destroy with such unforgiving brutality,” he said.
“We must not forget: Nuclear weapons will not make us freer, stronger, or more secure. We must not waver,” he added.
Duterte has urged all nations “to reject war and do everything to pave the path for peace.” “We must be firm. All nations must work together to eliminate nuclear weapons,” he said.
A uranium bomb was unleashed by the United States in the city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 in the final stages of World War II. It killed an estimated 140,000 people in Hiroshima. Three days later, a plutonium bomb was dropped on Nagasaki that left more than 70,000 people dead. In the following years, many survivors endured health ailments due to the radiation.
Seven decades later, the President reminded nations to build, not destroy. He also cited the country's relations with Japan, particularly in advance peace and progress.
“With our meaningful shared history, the Philippines and Japan have continued to do our utmost to fortify the foundations of peace, propel the course of progress and give full meaning to the promise of prosperity,” he said.
“Seventy-five years on, the Philippines stands should to shoulder with Japan and all peace-loving countries of the world. We remain committed to this cause. We have learned from the lessons: In their relations with others, nations must build. Never destroy,” he said.