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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Teodoro warns vs modern threats to freedom

Teodoro warns vs modern threats to freedom

Published Sep 6, 2025 04:45 pm
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. delivers a speech during the commemoration of the Korean War Veterans of the Philippines Memorial Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Sept. 6, 2025. (Photo: DND)
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. delivers a speech during the commemoration of the Korean War Veterans of the Philippines Memorial Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Sept. 6, 2025. (Photo: DND)
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged vigilance against rising threats to freedom and democracy as he led the commemoration of the Korean War Veterans of the Philippines Memorial Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Saturday, Sept. 6.
Teodoro drew parallels between past and present global security challenges as he warned of attempts by non-democratic forces to promote what he described as an “alternative world order”.
“I cannot sugarcoat my words in front of our veterans and in front of men and women in uniform, who stand ready to sacrifice their lives in defense of freedom. We see once again narratives being spun against our alliance, and this, President Ferdinand Marcos stands up to, as with all of us,” he said.
“We are trying our best (to address) this scourge, this alternative narrative of a new world order, propelled by non-democratic forces, who will not allow us to enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy today,” he added.
Teodoro underscored the enduring alliance between the Philippines and South Korea, saying both nations share a commitment to peace and democratic values.
“Filipinos and Koreans do not look for conflict. We have seen too much of it. However, we shall also not bow down,” he said.
He added that the best way to honor the Filipinos who fought in the Korean War is to build a resilient national defense that strengthens partnerships with allies such as the United States, South Korea, and other like-minded countries.
The commemoration paid tribute to the descendants of the 10th, 20th, 19th, 14th, and 2nd Battalion Combat Teams, which represented the Philippines’ contributions to the Korean War under the United Nations Command.
It remembered the valor and sacrifice of the veterans who bravely fought side-by-side with Republic of Korea (ROK) soldiers and defended their stations against the combined forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Chinese People's Volunteer Army during the Korean War.
The Philippines was the first Asian nation to send a contingent to the Korean Peninsula during the war that broke out in 1950.
The ceremony, highlighted by a wreath-laying, was also attended by South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang Hwa, Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu, Veterans Federation of the Philippines Vice President for Plans Commodore Salvador Q. Esguerra (Ret.), and members of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK).
Read: DND defends Teodoro after Chinese embassy's rant

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