Filipino Korean War veteran receives more than hearing aid from Korea’s Araw force

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3): Filipino Korean War veteran receives more than hearing aid from Korea’s Araw force

Korean War veteran Sofio T. Lobrigo only wished for a new hearing aid from the Republic of Korea Joint Support Group (Araw Contingent); but he got more - a newly-repaired house.

Lobrigo, 85 years old, of Barangay District 9, Dagami is one of the three Korean War veterans whose houses were repaired by the Korean contingent as their expression of gratitude for their help during the war.

“Around 63 years after I fought in Korea, never in my wildest dream I thought that this will happen,” he shared.

However, he narrated that after typhoon Yolanda, he saw a Korean car parked in front of Dagami church. He told the group that arrived that he was among the Filipino soldiers who fought during the Korean War.

The Koreans took his picture and five days later they came back and informed him of their plan to repair his damaged house, which they did in two weeks.

The Araw Force repaired the roofing, floor, bedrooms and kitchen and even the extension of the house including the electrical wiring. They also had it repainted.

They also put up a partition in the house that will serve as Lobrigo’s office upon learning that he is the district commander of the Veterans Federation in the Philippines in the 2nd district of Leyte.

Lobrigo was 22 years old when he was sent to Korea under the 14th Battalion Command Team to take part in the Battle of Yultong Bridge and Battle of Hill Eerie.

The Filipino troops during the Korean War happened to be the 4th largest military contingent with 7,500 enlisted personnel.

He said that he did not expect that after 63 years, the Koreans will give him such importance.

“I am very thankful to the government of Korea and at the same time to all the officers and enlisted men who made it possible what my home looks right now,” said an obviously happy Lobrigo.

The Korean forces also gave him two boxes of noodles, two boxes of cookies and bottled water.

He was also given a hearing aid, the only request he made from the Araw Force.

The family of Lobrigo in return and as sign of their gratitude, prepared native food and delicacies such as "moron", "binagol" and roasted pig or lechon, for the Koreans and the AFP Engineering brigade.

Last month, the ROK joint support group also repaired the house of another Filipino Korean war veteran in Carigara, Leyte.

Within two weeks, the group is hoping to finish the repair of another veteran's house in Tacloban City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=621563