South Korea pulls out troops in Yolanda-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - South Korea has pulled out its troops in typhoon-ravaged Leyte province after conducting humanitarian work for a year.

Members of the ARAW contingent, the unit formed to help communities hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda, left Mactan Air Base in Cebu via a chartered flight Monday morning.

The unit was honored in a send-off ceremony that featured Air Force dependents and children giving flowers to Korean soldiers as a symbol of gratitude. The ceremony was witnessed by senior military officers led by Maj. Gen. Eusaquito Manalo, chief of the 2nd Air Division, and Korean Consul General Ki-seog Lee.

The 297-strong contingent constituted the second batch of South Korean troops sent to Leyte. The first batch arrived in November last year and left last June.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the ARAW unit left over P200 million worth of humanitarian assistance and disaster response equipment to the military.

They include excavators, forklifts, dump trucks, tractors, pay loaders and backhoes. Other equipment for administrative purposes like buses, fumigation vehicle, medical supplies and container vans were also turned over to the Philippine troops.

The contingent repaired infrastructure, rescued abandoned vehicles, distributed water supplies, cleared debris and conducted medical and dental missions. It built 37 educational facilities and rehabilitated 25 public facilities.

The group also formed a vocational training center, established an agricultural leadership institute, conducted Korean language classes and built a memorial park.

The Philippines and South Korea share more than 60 years of partnership that is deeply rooted in the sacrifices of Filipino troops who fought in the Korean War in the 1950s.

A total of 112 Filipino soldiers died in battle while defending South Korea against the communist North Korea and China while 313 others were wounded. The Philippines also helped South Korea rebuild itself after the war in 1953.

ARAW’s motto was, “We repaid your sacrifices of blood with our sweat drops.”

Last week, the ARAW members were honored by Philippine security officials in a mission completion ceremony held in Palo, Leyte.

AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. awarded the AFP Command Plaque and Commendation Medals to the contingent led by its commander Col. Lee Chul Won.

The Korean soldiers were recognized for their “invaluable and selfless efforts” in typhoon-struck areas.

“The Korean disaster response contingent has been with us since Super Typhoon Yolanda struck last year. They were among the first countries to respond and offer us aid,” Catapang said.

“Without your help, our rebuilding efforts (would not have been) as smooth and as swift,” he added.