On June 25, 1950, the Korean Peninsula was plunged into a devastating conflict that would divide a nation, claim millions of lives, and alter the course of international history. Today, 75 years later, that same date is remembered not only as a day of sorrow, but also a time to honor the courage of those who fought, and to recommit to the promise of peace.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Filipino Korean War Veterans Appreciation Gathering was held on June 21, 2025 in the Peace Room, Parañaque City Public Library to commemorate the heroism of Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) veterans who stood shoulder to shoulder with South Korean troops during the Korean War. The theme, “Comrades who fought together! Let’s attain Unification of the Korean Peninsula,” echoed the call not just to remember, but to continue the mission of peace and unity that so many laid down their lives for.
The event opened with remarks from Mr. John Rommel Garces, Chief Branch Manager of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a South Korea-based international peace organization founded by Chairman Lee Man-hee, himself a Korean War veteran. His message reflected on the transformation of a soldier into a peace advocate, urging all nations to pursue reconciliation over conflict.
The aging PEFTOK veterans were visibly moved by the tribute, namely Vet. Rodrigo Ereño (age 93) from the 14h Battalion Command Team and Vet. Prudencio Manuel (age 87) from the 2d Battalion Command Team. They shared their wartime stories during the heartfelt segment, “Kwento ng Kagitingan.”
Vet. Ereño recalled a tense moment etched in his memory, “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 and hardship, he looked back with pride and hope. In his message to HWPL Chairman Lee, he commended his fellow Korean War veteran for dedicating his life to peace, saying “Talaga namang ako’y hangang-hanga sa progreso ng South Korea. I hope na darating, ang araw ang North at South Korea ay magkaisa na alang-alang sa katahimikan ng buong Korea. ‘Yan ang panalangin ko. Para sa organisasyon at sa mga bumubuo ng peace organization na tinayo ni Chairman Lee. Maraming salamat sa iyong pagpupunyagi na maitaguyod ang kapayapaan dito sa Pilipinas.”
PEFTOK members were deeply emotional throughout the program. According to his wife, Asuncion, it was the first time Vet. Manuel openly shared his firsthand experiences from the war, despite having been interviewed many times before. With a trembling voice, he recalled the moment he volunteered to go to Korea without knowing anything about the country. Upon their arrival, he was struck by a powerful sight: a sign that read, “Through this passage pass the best soldiers in the world.” That moment, he affirmed the courage behind their decision to serve, and the brotherhood they carried into battle.
