Leyte Gulf Landings commemorated

PALO, Leyte , Philippines  – The 65th-year commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landings yesterday morning was once again participated by dignitaries from Allied nations, and for the past three consecutive years, Japan’s presence was considered to be meaningful for its continued commitment to help the Philippine government’s peace and development efforts.

Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura, in his message in behalf of his government, apologized not only to the Filipino veterans but to the entire Filipino nation for the atrocities the Japanese soldiers committed during World War II, a battle, which he said, was widely considered to have unnecessarily cost the lives of thousands of Filipino soldiers and civilians.

“I’d like to express my greatest tribute to all those who have fought and fallen and expressed our heartfelt apologies and deep, sincere remorse for the damage caused by the Japanese military in the Philippines during World War II. Japan, after the war, was reformed as a peace-loving nation and is now determined to continue to contribute to peace and prosperity all over the world,” he said.

Yesterday’s commemorative program, which was led by President Arroyo and dignitaries from Australia, Canada and the United States, echoed the same message – today’s Filipinos owe their liberties to the “courage and valor” of their forefathers who fought alongside the Allied soldiers in liberating the country from the Japanese invaders.

Katsura gave assurance of Japan’s continued cognizance of the adverse effects of its role in World War II.

“Let me also reiterate the Japanese government’s determination not to allow the lessons of their horrible World War II to erode, and to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world without ever waging a war. But we are here to help the Philippine government,” he said.

He noted that the recently signed Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) would further bolster the economic relations of the two nations.

Aside from Katsura, the other dignitaries present were Capt. Vic Jones, defense attaché of the Australian embassy; James Trottier of the Canadian embassy; US Ambassador Kristie Kenney and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.