GMA to US: RP still an ally vs terrorism

HONOLULU — The Philippines and the United States continue to be strong allies in the war on terrorism after fighting together in World War II and major regional conflicts that included the Vietnam War, President Arroyo said yesterday.

"We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States in the global war on terrorism," Mrs. Arroyo said.

"Our countries agree on common goals... shared democratic values form the foundation of our relationship," she said.

The President made the declaration here as she dedicated a plaque in memory of Filipino and American soldiers who died fighting side-by-side in wars of the Pacific.

Mrs. Arroyo placed a wreath adorned with red, white and blue ribbons in front of the plaque, which is set on a piece of rock taken from Corregidor island, a key battleground in the Philippines during the World War II.

The rock and plaque will remain at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific as a symbol of the strong military ties between the US and the Philippines, Mrs. Arroyo said.

"We honor today our two peoples who fought together through the harrowing years of World War II," she said at the ceremony attended by dignitaries of both countries and many Filipino-American and Filipino veterans.

The President said the relations between the Philippines and the US have "matured and grown" under her administration.

She said she is proud to be able to "move this vital strategic relationship to a much better place than 15 years ago."

The President made a stop in Hawaii for a one-day visit to lead in the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the first Filipinos who had set foot in the US.

The visit in Hawaii capped the final leg of her five-nation, nine-day trip in Europe and Cuba.

Mrs. Arroyo encouraged efforts in the US Congress to give equal benefits to Filipino scouts and other veterans who fought alongside the American troops during World War II.

"We hope the US Congress will... bring justice to our Filipino veterans," she said.

The National Memorial Cemetery on Oahu, where more than 34,000 veterans of Pacific wars have been interred, provided a solemn backdrop for the ceremony.

The military launched several artillery salutes and flew three helicopters over the grave site in a missing man formation. — With AP