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PHL, KOREA HOLD 6TH POLICY CONSULTATION IN SEOUL

First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Lim Sung-nam of the Republic of Korea and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo of the Philippines led their respective delegations in the successful conduct of the 6th Policy Consultation at The Shilla Hotel in Seoul on 28 October 2016.

SEOUL, 28 October 2016 ? The Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK) agreed to foster closer bilateral and regional cooperation during the successful conduct of the 6th Policy Consultation at The Shilla Hotel in Seoul on 28 October 2016.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo led the eight-member Philippine delegation along with Executive Director for Asian and Pacific Affairs Evangeline T. Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq and First Secretary and Consul General Roderico C. Atienza.

First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Lim Sung-nam led the seven-member Korean delegation, which was made up of officials from the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

The two sides reviewed the continued growth of bilateral relations and discussed measures to further enhance political, defense, economic, and socio-cultural cooperation. The importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of Filipino and Korean nationals in each other's territory was also highlighted in the meeting.

The Policy Consultation likewise provided an opportunity for both delegations to exchange views on regional and global developments affecting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Philippines established diplomatic relations with the ROK on 3 March 1949, becoming the fifth country to recognize the newly-established republic and the first in Southeast Asia to do so.

In September 1950, the Philippines joined the United Nations coalition in actively defending the ROK in the Korean War (1950-53) through the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) with 7,420 Filipino soldiers representing the 4th largest foreign troop contribution.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, the ROK provided humanitarian assistance to typhoon victims and deployed for one year starting in December 2013 the Araw Unit comprising more than 800 medical, rescue, recovery and engineering personnel from the Korea Disaster Relief and the Korean Armed Forces to assist in relief and recovery operations.

The ROK is one of the Philippines' top trading partners and major source of investments, as well as being the Philippines' top tourism market since 2010 with tourist arrivals consistently reaching 1 million for four straight years starting from 2012.

? END?

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November 13, 2025
PRESIDENT MARCOS HONORS FILIPINO KOREAN WAR VETERANS AT THE UNITED NATIONS MEMORIAL CEMETERY IN KOREA

Busan, Republic of Korea - H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, paid tribute to the valor and sacrifice of Filipino soldiers who served in the Korean War (1950–1953) during a solemn visit to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea (UNMCK) in Busan on 2 November 2025. President Marcos, accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, was received by Ambassador SUH Jeong-in, Custodian of the UNMCK. Also in attendance were Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office Dave O. Gomez, and Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez. Representing the Government of the Republic of Korea was Minister Kwon Oh-eul of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA). At the Philippine marker within the cemetery grounds, President Marcos laid a wreath and offered prayers in honor of the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who served under the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK). The President paid special tribute to the 116 Filipino servicemen who gave their lives in the line of duty, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their Korean and United Nations comrades in defense of peace, freedom, and democracy. The President also visited the Wall of Remembrance, where he read the names of the fallen Filipino PEFTOK heroes, some of whom hailed from his own hometown, before bowing his head in silent reflection. In the UNMCK guest book, President Marcos wrote:“We honour the Filipino soldiers of PEFTOK who valiantly fought and died shoulder-to-shoulder with their Korean comrades for freedom and democracy. Let us honour their legacy with lives that hold these principles still true. Mabuhay!” Following the ceremony, President Marcos and the First Lady participated in a ceremonial tree-planting at the Garden of the Heads of State, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea and the lasting peace and solidarity forged through shared sacrifice. The visit reaffirmed the Philippines’ enduring commitment to peace, democracy, and international solidarity. It also underscored the shared history and steadfast friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, forged in the crucible of war and strengthened by a common dedication to peace and prosperity. The Philippines was among the first countries to send troops to the Korean Peninsula in 1950, deploying five battalion combat teams under PEFTOK as part of the United Nations Command. The courage and sacrifice of the 7,420 Filipino soldiers remain a proud testament to the Philippines’ unwavering contribution to global peace and security. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea is the only UN-designated memorial cemetery in the world and serves as the final resting place for over 2,300 soldiers from 14 nations who fought under the UN Command during the Korean War. The Philippines’ participation and continuing remembrance reflect the depth of the two nations’ historical ties and their mutual commitment to the values of democracy and peace. END

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