Seoul, 27 July 2026 - On behalf of the Korean government, Minister Kwon Oh-eul conferred Ambassador for Peace Medals to Filipino veterans Rodrigo C. Erenio and Prudencio M. Manuel and to eleven other veterans who travelled from their home countries during the Welcome Reception and Thank you Banquet hosted on 27 July 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Seoul by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of the Republic of Korea.  

Minister Kwon referred to Messrs. Enerio and Manuel as “my friends,” having met them on 04 March 2026 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, during the state visit to the Philippines of President Lee Jae Myung.

Dubbed as “All Our Heroes, Thank You,” the seated banquet featured a commemorative message from President Lee that was delivered by Minister Kwon.  In the President’s message, he conveyed Korea’s gratitude to the veterans and families representing the 22 UN participating nations who defended democracy. He noted that the international solidarity shown during the Korean war became the foundation of Korea’s peace, freedom and prosperity.  He reiterated his administration’s commitment to expand outreach, including continuing ties with the UN veterans and their families.      

The official response to President Lee’s message was delivered by Filipino Korean war veteran Rodrigo Erenio whom President Lee met during his state visit to the Philippines in March of 2026.

The event was preceded by a National Ceremony held at the KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul in the morning of the same day where Philippine Army Captain Conrado D. Yap, who was killed-in-action, was also honored during the ceremony as a Distinguished Hero of the Korean War – one who commanded the special company of the 10th Battalion Combat Team, during the Battle of Yultong, Gyeonggi Province, from 22-23 April 1951.    

Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Don Templonuevo, MSgt Noriel Enero, Technical Sgt Marlon Torre accompanied the veterans, family members and family members of deceased veterans during the full day event. END