MANILA, Philippines - Korean war veterans and government officials commemorated the 64th anniversary of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) landing during the Korean War last September 15.
Philippine Ambassador Raul Hernandez and Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Sungchoon led the wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial of Korea.
A total of 7,420 PEFTOK officers served in Korea from 1950 to 1955, particularly during the Battle of Yultong, Battle of Hill Eerie and Battle of the Imjin, Minister Park said.
The 10th Battalion Combat team, composed of 1,400 men, was the first of the Philippine Battalion combat teams that were sent to assist Korea in September 1950.
“From that day forth, our relationship with the Republic of Korea has become stronger, not only as a neighbor, brother-in-arms, and ally, but potentially as a strategic partner for the future,” Hernandez said.
The Philippines was the first Asian country and the third United Nations member state to send combat troops during the Korean War on September 19, 1959.
A total of 112 Filipino soldiers died in combat during the Korean war while 313 were wounded and 16 remained officially missing-in-action.
The Korean Ministry of National Defense organizes the Incheon Landing Operation Commemoration Ceremony every year to "highlight the successful landing of the multi-national forces... and to pay tribute to Korean War veterans who fought together to establish a beachhead behind enemy lines at the Incheon landing."