also published here: Philippine-Korea Bilateral Relationship and the Participation of the PEFTOK in the Korean War

2019 marks as a special year in the Philippine-Korea bilateral relationship. This is the 70^th year anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations. For those who have not known about it yet, the Philippines was the fifth country to extend diplomatic ties to Korea on March 3, 1949. This is manifested in the diplomatic car plate number of the Philippine Embassy cars. So, if you see a blue-plated car starting with 005, it belongs to the Philippine Diplomatic Corps. The first four countries to extend diplomatic relationship with South Korea were: 1. United States of America, 2. United Kingdom, 3. France, 4. China (maintained with Taiwan). It is also worthy to note that the Philippines is the first Asian country to extend diplomatic ties to South Korea.

When South Korea was attacked without warning on June 25, 1950 by forces sympathetic to North Korea, Philippine President Elpidio Quirino was quick to show support by announcing that Filipino combat troops were going to be sent to South Korea.  This was in response to the United Nation’s call for support from member-countries. “The Philippine Military Aid to the UN Act” or Republic Act 573 formalized this support of sending Filipino combat troops. The first batch of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK), the 10^th Battalion Combat Team (BCT), arrived on September 19, 1950. The 10^th BCT won over two major battles: The Battle of Miudong in November 1950 and the Battle of Yuldong in April 1951. The Battle of Miudong will forever be remembered as the first battle fought and won by Filipino soldiers in a foreign land. The Battle of Yuldong was a heroic victory. They were hugely outnumbered by the 40,000 soldiers supporting North Korea. Defeat that time would have ended the war and North Korea would have claimed South Korea as part of its communist territory. The Filipino soldiers of the 10^th BCT had since been known as “The Fighting Tenth”.

No wonder, among the older Koreans, our Philippine soldiers were hugely respected. One personal experience I had was when I volunteered at the Yongsan Senior Welfare Center’s English Class. I was assigned to 85-year old Mr. Chang, a Korean war veteran. He fondly remembered a Filipino captain who taught him a Filipino folk song which he was still correctly humming. He was very grateful of the Philippine’s support during the war.  On random occasions, when older Koreans would know I am from the Philippines, they would try to say thank you for the assistance from our Filipino soldiers. Heartwarming.

On September 17, 2019, the Philippine Embassy in Korea hosted the “Wreath Laying Ceremony to Celebrate the 69^th Anniversary of the PEFTOK Participation in the Korean War”.The Philippine flag waved gallantly while Philippine Ambassador Noe Wong addressed the small crowd of dignitaries and members of the Filipino community at the Peace Plaza of the War Memorial of Korea:

“60 years ago, on September 19, 1950, 1,400 Filipino soldiers arrived at the port of Busan to help defend freedom, democracy, and peace in South Korea and the Asia-Pacific. Serving under the United Nations Command, this group of brave men from the 10th Battalion Combat Team (BCT) of the Philippines was the first of the five Filipino battalions which served in the Korean War. They came to be known as the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK).

The significance of the PEFTOK cannot be overemphasized. The PEFTOK was, and remains, a symbol of sacrifice and great friendship from the Philippines to South Korea.

When the United Nations called the world to help defend South Korea, the Philippines was still rebuilding itself from the devastation of the Second World War. Our capital Manila was the second most bombed city in the world, next only to Warsaw, Poland. We were then a young republic. After centuries of colonization-more than 300 years under Spanish rule followed by 50 years under the United States-many were afraid that our country would be ensnared in another conflict, with the possibility of us once again losing our freedom.

Yet, despite the fact that the Philippines was at the same time fighting a communist insurgency at home, we sent our only trained armored unit, the 10th Battalion Combat Team, to fight for the South Korean people. Affectionately known as the “Fighting Tenth”, the 10th BCT was sent to defend a country who became our friend only the year prior and in spite of our own needs and fears back home.”

– Ambassador Noe Wong

This was followed by the wreath laying by Director General KIM JU YONG (International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs), Rear Admiral STUART MAYER RAN (Deputy Commander, United Nations Command), Brigadier General JEONG DAE HYUN (Director, The War Memorial of Korea), and Mr. KAP CHONG CHI (Chairman of the United Nations Korea War Allies Association, Inc). Guests took turns to offer white flowers in remembrance of the heroism of all the Korean war veterans. After the ceremony, a Dinner Reception was arranged at the Wedding Hall of the War Memorial. Other guests who attended the anniversary celebration were Ambassador SHIFERAN SHIGUTE, Ambassador IFIGENIA KONTOLEONTOS, Ambassador FRODE SOLGBERZ, and Ambassador SINGTONG LAPISATEPUN. Soldiers serving under the United Nations Command and those serving under the Defense Department headed by Defense Attaché Captain ARMIL ANGELES were also in attendance.

The Philippines and Korea continue to enjoy harmonious relations and nurture strong friendship. An event like this that highlights the strong bond between the two countries is immensely significant in our shared history and one that deserves its annual celebration.