The President paid tribute to the valor and sacrifice of Filipino soldiers who served in the Korean War (between 1950 and 1953) during a solemn visit to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea in Busan recently.

The President, accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, was received by Ambassador SUH Jeong-in, custodian of the UNMCK.

At the Philippine marker within the cemetery grounds, Marcos laid a wreath and offered prayers in honor of the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who served under the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea.

The President paid special tribute to the 116 Filipino servicemen who gave their lives in the line of duty, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their Korean and United Nations comrades in defense of peace, freedom and democracy.

The President also visited the Wall of Remembrance, where he read the names of the fallen Filipino PEFTOK heroes, some of whom hailed from his own hometown, before bowing his head in silent reflection.

In the UNMCK guest book, the President wrote:

“We honor the Filipino soldiers of PEFTOK who valiantly fought and died shoulder-to-shoulder with their Korean comrades for freedom and democracy. Let us honor their legacy with lives that hold these principles still true. Mabuhay!”

Following the ceremony, Marcos and the First Lady participated in a ceremonial tree-planting at the Garden of the Heads of State, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea and the lasting peace and solidarity forged through shared sacrifice.

The visit reaffirmed the Philippines’ enduring commitment to peace, democracy, and international solidarity.

It also underscored the shared history and steadfast friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, forged in the crucible of war and strengthened by a common dedication to peace and prosperity.

The Philippines was among the first countries to send troops to the Korean Peninsula in 1950, deploying five battalion combat teams under PEFTOK as part of the United Nations Command.

The courage and sacrifice of the 7,420 Filipino soldiers remain a proud testament to the Philippines’ unwavering contribution to global peace and security.

The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea is the only UN-designated memorial cemetery in the world and serves as the final resting place for over 2,300 soldiers from 14 nations who fought under the UN Command during the Korean War.

The Philippines’ participation and continuing remembrance reflect the depth of the two nations’ historical ties and their mutual commitment to the values of democracy and peace.