Pinoy veterans of Korean war honored

The Philippine Army on Wednesday honored the sacrifices made by the Filipino soldiers who helped defend South Korea against communists in the 1950s.
A wreath-laying ceremony and floral offering was held at the Korean War Memorial Pylon at the Libingan ng mga Bayani to mark the 17th Korean War Veterans of the Philippines Memorial Day.
The event commemorated the veterans of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), the 10th Battalion Combat Team, who assisted South Korea in aiding the United Nation's efforts to stem the tide of communist activities from North Korea.
With only 900 men, the 10th BCT withstood a Chinese army of 40,000 men during the Battle of Yuldong in North Korea on April 23, 1951 before they returned to the Philippines as "The Fighting Tenth" on Sept. 5, 1951.
The second PEFTOK, the 20th BCT, seized the strategic observation post Hill Eerie while its replacement, the 19th BCT, defended the post along with Hill 191 emerged victorious in a four-day struggle named “Battle for Combat Outpost No. 8” on June 21, 1952.
14th BCT took over from the 19th on Mar. 26, 1953 before the 2nd BCT, the last PEFTOK contingent, on April 19, 1954.
Meanwhile, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Jae Shin condoned the bombing of the Roxas night market, which resulted in the death of 14 and injured more than 70.
"We strongly condemn this cowardly and senseless act of violence carried out by this lawless group. We also extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of the victims," Jae Shin said.

"Rest assured that the Korean government will fully support the Philippine government in its effort to end terrorism in this country," he added. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News

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