The Philippines' partnership with the Republic of Korea is deeply entrenched in our history of fighting shoulder-to-shoulder during the Korean War. This solidarity has been the bedrock of our partnership for 75 years and the Philippines and the Republic of Korea continue to be partners in upholding regional peace and stability today.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo honored the valor and bravery of the 7, 420 Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) soldiers who fought in the Korean War through a simple but meaningful wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial of Korea.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo also had an opportunity to meet with officials of the United Nations Command (UNC) - Joint Security Area (JSA). During his meeting with UNC Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Derek Macaulay and senior officials of the UN Command on 9 August 2024, SFA Manalo recognized the important role of the JSA in keeping the peace in the UN Peninsula and thanked the UNC members for their service. UNC officials also guided the Secretary during a brief tour of the JSA and provided updates on the work that the UNC does to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

SFA Manalo likewise reaffirmed the Philippine commitment to upholding peace on the Korean Peninsula, saying that "The Philippines stands with the Republic of Korea in calling for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." The Secretary also reiterated that the Philippines will continue to support efforts to secure the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The full remarks of the Secretary may be accessed through the link: https://dfa.gov.ph/statement-remarks-apc/35296-statement-of-philippine-foreign-affairs-secretary-enrique-a-manalo-official-visit-to-the-joint-security-area.

The Philippines is a proud and active member of the UN Command Sending States through policy discussions, exchanges, and exercises. A Philippine contingent is deployed to the UN Honor Guard Company to reinvigorate and further strengthen Philippine membership and participation in the UNC.

Secretary Manalo and his delegation also visited the Imjingak Peace Park in Paju where various monuments and remnants of the Korean War are situated. END