Thomas: US to continue looking after Pinoy vets

PILAR, Bataan , Philippines  – Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. yesterday said the United States would continue to look after the welfare of Filipino World War II veterans.

“We are committed to the well-being of our veterans; last year alone we disbursed more than $186 million in veterans’ benefits in the Philippines,” Thomas announced during the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan at Mt. Samat here.

President Aquino also said the Philippine government was closely watching the implementation of the Philippine Veterans Equity Compensation Act signed by US President Barack Obama in 2009.

Under the law, Filipino war veterans may be entitled to a compensation of $9,000 for non-US citizens and $15,000 for US citizens.

“This law guarantees you full compensation,” Aquino said.

He said some 18,000 veterans have benefited from this as of December 2010.

President Aquino led the 69th anniversary celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan at the Dambana ng Kagitingan here.

The event was attended by Thomas and Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura.

Thousands of guests, including war veterans and local officials, braved the rain and fog to attend the event that marked the day when American and Filipino forces were forced to surrender to the invading Japanese in 1942.

The surrender was capped by the infamous Bataan Death March where some 70,000

American and Filipino prisoners of war were forced by Japanese soldiers to march more than 100 kilometers to a concentration camp in Tarlac.

Aquino urged the audience to emulate the spirit of those who fought and died during the war so that their sacrifices will not go to waste.

“Your heroism stands the test of time,” Aquino told the veterans and wives of veterans in attendance.

Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura greets Filipino World War II veterans during the 69th commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan at the Dambana ng Kagitingan in Pilar, Bataan yesterday. WILLY PEREZ

Katsura, for his part, reiterated the “heartfelt apologies and deep sense of remorse” over the havoc left by the Japanese imperial forces in the Philippines during the Second World War.

Katsura paid tribute to all those who fought and died during the war.

After Japan finally surrendered to the Allied forces, Katsura said his country was reborn as a peace-loving nation firmly resolved to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world.

He said the Japanese government was grateful that the relations with the Philippines had progressed over the years.

“In this context, I am deeply moved by the Filipino people’s noble spirit of reconciliation and sense of fairness. Indeed, the Filipino people have been appreciating Japan as we are today - a peace-loving nation that shares the fundamental values of democracy, freedom and respect for human rights. The Filipino people have also been taking a future-oriented attitude with a view to deepening the friendly relations between the two countries,” Katsura said.

Katsura said the Japanese government is committed to continue development aid for the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, despite the tragedies that struck their country.

“Japan reaffirms anew its unwavering support for the Philippines’ efforts to attain peace and prosperity, working together with like-minded countries such as the United States. I am confident that by working more closely together as strategic partners, we will realize our common goals and ultimately bring about peace and prosperity for all,” he said.

Katsura also took the opportunity to thank the Philippines for its messages of sympathies and condolences extended to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that hit northern Japan last month.

President Aquino, for his part, lauded the US and Japan for turning out to be the Philippines’ greatest allies after World War II.

“I know three generations ago, the three of us were in conflict, but since then our country has had no greater friends than the US and Japan. Japan has been our partner toward economic progress, providing us the needed technology to cope with calamity. And the US has shared with us a long history of cooperation and mutual defense,” he said.

Aquino re-affirmed the country’s strong ties with the US and Japan.

“Time has proven that we can count on allies like them, and I am confident they can stand by us should there be a threat again to our security and sovereignty,” Aquino said.

Aquino also thanked both the US and Japan for supporting his path “toward transparency and progress.”

On Thursday, the US, through Ambassador Thomas, turned over to the Philippine government $132,000 in forfeited assets of retired military comptroller Jacinto Ligot and his wife Erlinda.

Thomas said Aquino’s “dedication to your people, and your commitment to fighting corruption, make our strengthened relationship possible.”

Thomas said the US would also continuously work hand in hand with the Philippines “to battle human trafficking and to alleviate poverty.”

“We are privileged to partner with the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to work toward eliminating violence in the south,” Thomas said.

Thomas said the Philippines and Japan “are among the United States’ most steadfast allies.”

“And I know that President Aquino and Ambassador Katsura will agree that the relationship between Japan and the Philippines is stronger than ever before,” he said.

“We have made great strides in our relationship and our cooperation in the last 70 years. After the ravages of war so many years ago I cannot fathom anyone predicting the extraordinary relationship that exists today between our three nations,” Thomas said.

Thomas said it was time to work for a peaceful future as “our challenge today (is not) to simply say we despise war and we wish to end violence.”

“We are here today not only to thank our brave soldiers who perished for the cause of freedom but to honor their memories by carrying on their legacies. My friends, let us not allow our past to become polar. Let us instead work together for a better tomorrow,” Thomas said.