Minister Hwang Ki-Chul presents Ambassador Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega with a caricature drawing of herself during the Minister’s courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. 

SEOUL, 17 January 2022 — Ambassador Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with Minister Hwang Ki-Chul of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA) at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

During the call, Minister Hwang paid tribute to the contributions of Filipinos during the Korean War, highlighted the enduring and historic partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea and the shared values between our two peoples.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega likewise expressed her appreciation to the MPVA for their strong and consistent support to the Philippines-Republic of Korea defense and security partnership.

Both the Philippines and the Republic of Korea continue to honor the service and sacrifices of those who fought in the Korean War, including the valiant Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK).

Minister Hwang has fond memories of the Philippines. Throughout the course of his military career, he has visited the country numerous times and has likewise served as a liaison officer to then Defense Minister Fidel V. Ramos during his 1988 visit to the Republic of Korea. He is very fond of the Filipino people, especially Korean War veterans and takes great interest in the education and welfare of their descendants. As part of their program, the MPVA hopes to visit the Philippines to pursue scholarship and exchange programs for the descendants of PEFTOK veterans, as well as provide medical supplies to military hospitals in the country.

The Philippines was the first Asian country to respond to the call by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), then headed by General Carlos P. Romulo, to send combat troops in the defense of South Korea from the invasion of the North. PEFTOK was composed of 7,420 soldiers and their bravery and combat proficiency stood out especially during the Battle of Yuldong and the Battle of Eerie Hill. PEFTOK casualties included 116 killed in action, 299 wounded in action, 57 missing in action and 41 repatriated prisoners of war. To this day, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea continue to have a robust defense and security partnership founded on this historic shared sacrifice and common values for peace and stability.

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