The Philippines commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings, a pivotal World War II event, with officials from the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and Australia underscoring the importance of peace and international solidarity.
On October 20, 1944, US General Douglas MacArthur made the historic landing after his promise return to the Philippines to help defeat the Japanese forces.
The ceremony, held at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte on Sunday, was led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and ambassadors from participating nations.
Ambassadors Hae Kyung Yu of Australia and Endo Kazuya of Japan, US Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, and local officials led by Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla and Leyte Mayor Remedios Petilla joined the celebration.
Romualdez emphasized the progress made in promoting peace through diplomacy.
“Your presence today is a testament to how far we have come in terms of promoting and protecting our respective national interests—no longer through the destructive contest of arms and violence, but through peaceful diplomatic efforts which are more sustainable,” the Speaker said.
For his part, Teodoro honored war veterans and read President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s message, urging younger generations to remember the sacrifices made for the nation’s freedom.
“In honoring the sacrifices of veterans here, we continue the legacy of building national defense and resilience, not only against those who would want to occupy our territory or abuse our territorial integrity and sovereignty but also against natural disasters and calamities,” he said.
The event featured a reenactment of General Douglas MacArthur’s historic landing on October 20, 1944, along with flag-raising, wreath-laying, and solidarity greetings from veterans and officials.
Romualdez also reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to defending its sovereignty, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, through peaceful means and international cooperation.