Taguig city: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. honored Filipino veterans who fought in the Korean War and vowed to continue strengthening national defense to honor their sacrifices. He emphasized the importance of vigilance against global security challenges, warning that ‘non-democratic forces’ continue to threaten peace and freedom.

According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro made these remarks during the Korean War Veterans of the Philippines Memorial Day at Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. He addressed the veterans and military personnel, stating, “I cannot sugarcoat my words in front of our veterans and in front of men and women in uniform, who stand ready to sacrifice their lives in defense of freedom.” He highlighted the ongoing narratives against alliances and expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance on these issues.

The commemoration featured a wreath-laying ceremony attended by Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Veterans Affairs Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, and descendants of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea. More than 7,000 Filipino soldiers were deployed to Korea from 1950 to 1955 under the United Nations Command, with over a hundred killed in action.

Teodoro praised the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, describing it as an alliance “through thick and thin.”