Araw Forces honor Filipino war veterans in commemoration of 64th Korean War

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 25): Araw Forces honor Filipino war veterans in commemoration of 64th Korean War

Four Filipino war veterans who fought alongside their Korean counterparts during the Korean War were named “Ambassador of Peace” as the Joint Support Group of the Republic of Korea commemorated the 64th Korean War at their base camp in Candahug village of Palo on Tuesday.

The recognition was afforded to surviving war veterans Segundino Gresola of Carigara, Sofio Robrigo of Dagami and Domingo Teves and Domingo Raagas from Tacloban City by Col. Chulwon Lee as approved by the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of Republic of Korea and the Korean Veterans Association.

Prior to the Araw Forces, as a way of expressing their heartfelt gratitude to these veterans for helping keep democracy in South Korea, Lee's team repaired the houses of the four awardees.

“We still remember the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who joined the Korean War to protect South Korea and its citizens. More than 100 Filipino soldiers were killed and more than 400 are wounded. With this we express our gratitude and respect for their courage and dedication,” said Col. Lee, commander of the Joint Support Group.

“They had given us the strength and chance to stand again during the time we suffer from despair and pain, we are here to repay the Filipino sacrifice 64 years ago. We promise you that we will continue in helping at the recovery activities that will give typhoon victims the courage to stand up again,” Col. Lee added.

Also given recognition were late Filipino war veterans Pedro Pedrosa, Juanito Ambago, Leo Olegario and Justiniano Servillano, which was accepted on their behalf by their immediate family members.

Filipino military contingent in the Korean War called the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) is the 4th largest foreign contingents of the 16 nation coalitions of the United Nation to Korean War.

Filipino soldiers participated in the Battle of Imjim River, Battle of Yultong Bridge and Battle of Hill Eerie.

The 7, 420 Filipino soldiers were divided into five combat troops, the 2nd Battalion Combat Team, 10th Battalion Combat Team, 14th Battalion Combat Team, 19th Battalion Combat Team and the 20th Battalion Combat Team.

In these five battalions, three are currently under the 8th Infantry Division - the 14th IB base in Oras, Eastern Samar, 19th IB base in Kananga and the 20th IB.

The commitment of Filipino soldiers in battle only proves that they are not just soldier of the country but soldiers too of people of South Korea, said 8th ID Commanding General Major General Jet Velarmino.

“The Korean War became the foundation of friendship between the Philippines and South Korea. A friendship that has been strengthened not just in time of war but also in times of calamities,” Maj. Gen. Velarmino said, citing the on-going rehabilitation works of the Araw Forces in the three towns of Leyte that were heavily devastated by typhoon Yolanda.

Araw Forces also awarded P10,000 cash assistance and one unit of laptop to family members of the surviving war veterans that they can use for their studies.

The occasion was also graced by Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla and Task Force Yolanda chief Colonel Arnulfo Matanguihan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=656833