FILE: A visitor uses binoculars to look towards the North Korean side of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from the Odusan Unification Tower in Paju on 12 May 2022. (Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP)
The Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group arrived at Manila port on Wednesday in time for the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice agreement.
At least 460 sailors, including approximately 150 midshipmen from the 78th class of ROK Naval Academy that are on board the ROKS Hansando and Hwacheon vessels, will participate in a seven-day cruise visit in the Philippines.
The Korean Navy CTTG will stay in the Philippines from 27 December 2023 until 2 January 2024. It marks its 28th visit to the country.
In a press statement, the Korean embassy said the CTTG is currently on its 7th circumnavigation to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of ROKN Cruise Training.
It added that the Manila port call is the 28th of its kind to the country, the highest recorded for Korean Navy port calls made in any Asian country.
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The CTTG is traveling around 30,000 nautical miles or approximately 55, 600km—a distance 1.5 times the circumference of the Earth, will be sailed.
In commemoration of the Korean War Armistice, the ROK is set to organize multiple events to "strengthen the friendly relations" with the Philippines.
The CTTG will be visiting the Korean War memorial located at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on 28 December and will be conducting a wreath-laying ceremony.
They will also be visiting the Korean War memorial hall to honor the noble sacrifice of the Korean War veterans.
The Korean and Philippine navies will hold a joint event at the Rizal Park in Manila on 29 December.
The task group will also be visiting the Philippine Fleet, touring the Philippine Navy Special Operations Command, and hosting receptions to strengthen the close friendship between the ROK Navy and the Philippine Navy.
The CTTG will likewise host a Defense Industry Exhibition on board ROKS Hwacheon—in tandem with the ROK ship tour—during the port call at Manila.
Filipino sailors will be able to witness the capabilities of the Korean Defense Industry and the ROK Navy Sea Guardian Harmonized with Operating manned Systems and Technology-based unmanned systems.
The Korean embassy said the CTTG will also be holding a Combined Passing Exercise with the Philippine Navy's BRP Jose Rizal vessel.
CTTG Commander RDML Choong-ho Cho underscored that the visit marks the 70th Korean War ceasefire in the promotion of maritime security and the shared universal values of freedom and peace.
It also aims to "enhance friendship and military diplomacy" between the ROK and the Philippines, he added.
At least 22 states supported South Korea when the Korean War broke out, including Manila which sent a total of 7,420 Filipino soldiers under the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea.
The Korean Armistice Agreement, which was signed in July 1953, suspended the hostilities resulting in the deaths of millions of civilians, and the 241-kilometer-long demilitarized zone was formed.
