Fil-Korean war veterans honored

Living Filipino veterans of the Korean War were honored Friday at an emotional appreciation event hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a South Korea-based international peace organization.

The event, held at the Peace Room of the Parañaque City Public Library, commemorated the “heroic acts” of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK), who fought alongside South Korean forces during the Korean War.

The theme, “Comrades who fought together! Let’s attain Unification of the Korean Peninsula,” highlighted a call for continued peaceful missions and unity.

HWPL, founded by Korean War veteran Lee Man-Lee, facilitated the recognition. G. John Rommel Garces, HWPL’s chief branch manager, opened the program, which featured two PEFTOK veterans — Vet. Rodrigo Ereno, 93, from the 14th Battalion Combat Team, and Vet. Prudencio Manuel, 87, from the 2nd Battalion Combat Team.

During a segment titled “Kwento ng Kagitingan,” both veterans shared their war experiences.

Ereno recalled a harrowing moment — “When the Armistice was signed, we, the 14th BCT, were at the front line. Before the signing by the Armistice Commission, the North Korean and Chinese armies began bombing our position.”

Despite the danger, he expressed pride in his service and hope for a unified Korean Peninsula.

“I am truly amazed by the progress of South Korea. I hope the day will come when North and South Korea unite for the peace of all Korea. That is my prayer,” Ereno said. He also thanked Lee’s peace organization for its efforts to promote peace in the Philippines.

Manuel, on the other hand, recounted volunteering for PEFTOK at a young age, without prior experience. He found inspiration in a message posted on a wall that read, “Through this passage pass the best soldiers in the world,” which he said emboldened him.

The veterans received messages from the Korean people, along with long-delayed certificates of recognition, portraits and flowers from young Koreans who expressed their gratitude.

Messages like “Thank you for your service. You gave us a future. Salamat po,” made the event deeply emotional, bridging the gap between generations.

Jovena Damasen, president of the PEFTOK Veterans Association and daughter of a veteran, emphasized the legacy her father’s generation leaves behind. “They did not go there to kill… It was to fight for peace and to help our South Korean brothers when they were in need. It’s been 75 years, and still, our Korean brothers have not forgotten us,” she said.

“And to see the faces of our veterans light up every time we give honor to them, every time we mention their names, and we say thank you for what they have done during the Korean War. It also melts the hearts of us, the descendants, as sons and daughters,” she added.

The program concluded with a Peace Map Signing Ceremony, a symbolic pledge for the peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula.