PH, Japan reaffirm security ties

From the Manila Standard Today (Apr 10): PH, Japan reaffirm security ties

ONCE mortal enemies during World War II, the Philippines and Japan on Thursday extolled their recently-forged strategic security partnership as the United States reaffirmed in Tokyo its commitment to peace and security in the Asian region.

This was the common theme of President Benigno Aquino III, Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa and United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg as they stood shoulder to shoulder at the war memorial in Mount Samat, Bataan to mark the 73rd anniversary of the fall of Bataan in 1942.

“Is it not true that even the victors and survivors needed to rebuild from the ashes? From such an insight, the opportunity rose: Because of their decision, adversaries became partners,” Aquino said.

“Former enemies are now allies in attaining a just peace for all,” he said. “It is clear progress is impossible if everyone will be on their own. Violence will only cause more suffering and misunderstanding while unity will bring development.”

It was the first time Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa attended the Day of Valor rite, but he reiterated his country’s apology to all who suffered because of Japan’s occupation of the country from 1941 to 1945.

“I wish to express our heartfelt apologies and deep sense of remorse for all who suffered during those fateful days. We all remember and never forget what happened here,” Ishikawa said, stressing that enmity has turned into a “close friendship” with both the Philippines and the United States.

Ishikawa made the remark a day after US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter kicked off his first Asian tour in Tokyo and warned against the militarization of territorial rows in Asia where China is at odds with both Japan and the Philippines.

“We take a strong stance against the militarization of these disputes,” Carter said after talks with his Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani.

In January, Nakatani also signed a defense cooperation and exchange agreement with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin outlining a strategic partnership that covers capacity building, disaster assistance and training, maritime security and “possible cooperation in defense equipment and technology.”

The Philippines in return supported Tokyo’s announced plan to amend its constitution that would allow Japan a more active military role in regional security.

Goldberg also noted the novelty of former enemies becoming close friends and honored the memory and heroism of the 44 Special Action Force commandos “who laid down their lives to protect all against international terrorism.”

He also reiterated the declaration of US President Barack Obama last year that “our commitment to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty is ironclad.”

“In good times and bad, we stand together, shoulder-to-shoulder. In 2015, as in 1942, we face challenges and threats together as partners, friends, and in many cases now, family. Whether we are fighting terrorism or responding to the devastation of natural disasters, we face them together. And when the Philippines is threatened, it is not alone,” Goldberg said.

In his speech, Aquino also made a pitch for the passage in Congress of the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law, saying the lessons of World War II must not take place ever again because conflict will only lead to more suffering and misunderstanding.

“This is the same lesson that leads us to champion lasting peace in Mindanao, and to call for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law,” he said.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/04/10/ph-japan-reaffirm-security-ties/