Manila – Malacañang announced on Friday (12 April 2024) the establishment of a “stronger” trilateral cooperation between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan, aimed at safeguarding the Indo-Pacific region to ensure “a better future for all.”
This significant trilateral alliance emerged following the inaugural trilateral summit between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House.
“During the historic summit, President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida solidified a stronger trilateral bond with the Philippines, pledging to uphold security in the Indo-Pacific region,” stated Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil.
In his opening address at the trilateral meeting, President Marcos emphasized that the Philippines’ collaboration with the US and Japan is rooted in a shared vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific amid challenges to the international rules-based system.
“Our partnership is not merely pragmatic but a natural evolution of deepening relations and robust cooperation among our three nations, united by a profound commitment to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law,” Marcos conveyed to Biden and Kishida.
Addressing the pressing challenges of the contemporary era demands unified action, a dedication to common objectives, and an unwavering adherence to the rules-based global order, Marcos added, framing the summit as a forward-looking endeavor.
Highlighting the significance of the trilateral summit as a foundational step, Marcos underscored it as an opportunity to chart a collective vision for the future and delineate the strategies for its realization.
Biden reiterated the US’ unwavering defense commitments to Japan and the Philippines, affirming that any aggression against Philippine assets in the South China Sea would trigger the mutual defense treaty.
“The United States’ defense commitments to Japan and the Philippines are unequivocal. As I’ve stated previously, any aggression against Philippine aircraft, vessels, or Armed Forces in the South China Sea would activate our mutual defense treaty,” Biden asserted, characterizing Marcos and Kishida as allies and partners in the landmark assembly.
Describing the new phase of partnership with the Philippines and Japan as emblematic of a “new era,” Biden emphasized the collective aspiration to construct an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, prosperous, and secure through strengthened trilateral bonds.
Kishida reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to bolster its ties with the US and the Philippines, pledging full cooperation for regional peace and stability.
“To secure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, I aim to reaffirm our commitment to enhancing trilateral cooperation and delineating a concrete path forward through today’s meeting,” Kishida affirmed.
The historic trilateral summit was attended by high-level representatives from each country’s foreign affairs, defense, trade, and energy ministries.
“This landmark summit is the culmination of extensive preparatory engagements between our Foreign Ministries, National Security Advisers, and Vice Ministers, alongside joint maritime exercises and development cooperation,” Marcos remarked.
In parallel, the three nations resolved to deepen economic ties and fortify economic relations, with President Marcos and the two world leaders endeavoring to explore avenues for economic growth, climate resilience, sustained progress, and global peace for future generations.
The US and Japan reiterated their commitment to supporting the Philippines’ endeavors to combat climate change and enhance its economic landscape by fostering industries and generating employment opportunities for Filipinos.
Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the US have spanned 77 years since their formal establishment on July 4, 1946, while the Philippines and Japan have celebrated 67 years of normalized relations since July 23, 1956, further solidifying their strategic partnership since 2011.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — The three-way summit among leaders of the Philippines, the United States, and Japan is set to produce an agreement to maintain security and ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea (SCS), according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The summit, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. on April 11, will bring together Marcos, US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to deliberate on advancing their defense, security, and economic interests.
President Marcos, who departed from Manila on Wednesday, emphasized that the specifics of the agreement between the three countries would be hashed out during his meetings with Biden and Kishida. He articulated that the agreement’s focus lies in bolstering cooperation to uphold security and navigation rights in the contested waters of the South China Sea.
Marcos clarified the nature of the agreement, stating, “Well, this is essentially an agreement between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines. Our cooperation in maintaining security and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. That is the essence of it.” He further elucidated that the discussions in Washington would delve into the operational aspects of the cooperation and its implementation.
During his interaction with reporters, Marcos underscored the significance of the summit in fostering strategic partnerships among the three nations. He indicated that the discussions would encompass not only security measures but also economic collaboration, reflecting a multifaceted approach to addressing regional challenges and opportunities.
The departure of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. from Manila marked the commencement of what is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy. His attendance at the historic trilateral summit signifies the commitment of the Philippines to actively engage with key allies in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region.
The summit holds the promise of consolidating the strategic alignment between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan, reinforcing the framework of cooperation to tackle common security concerns. Beyond immediate security considerations, the discussions are expected to explore avenues for enhancing economic integration and promoting sustainable development across the region.
As President Marcos embarks on this diplomatic mission, the eyes of the international community are keenly fixed on the outcomes of the summit. The agreements and initiatives emerging from the discussions are poised to have far-reaching implications for regional stability and the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific.
(Sourced online/el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Japan achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fifth nation to accomplish a soft lunar landing on Saturday (20 Jan 2024).
However, the success was tempered by the revelation that its lunar spacecraft, the “Moon Sniper,” was facing a critical power shortage due to a solar battery issue.
The Japanese space agency, JAXA, reported that after a suspenseful 20-minute descent, their Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) successfully landed on the lunar surface, establishing communication.
Unfortunately, the solar cells, essential for power supply, were not functioning optimally. Hitoshi Kuninaka, a JAXA official, disclosed that the “Moon Sniper,” renowned for its precision technology, had only a few hours of power left.
SLIM is part of a series of new lunar missions initiated by both governments and private entities, marking 50 years since the first human Moon landing.
Accompanying this achievement, a photo from 2022, released on January 18, 2024, by JAXA, Takara Tomy, Sony Group Corp., and Doshisha University, showcased the transformable lunar surface robot, ‘SORA-Q,’ installed on the lunar module for the SLIM mission at an undisclosed location. The historic lunar touchdown by Japan’s ‘Moon Sniper’ signifies a notable advancement in precision technology.
The challenges of lunar exploration are evident, with crash landings and communication failures common.
Only four other countries— the United States, the Soviet Union, China, and most recently, India—have successfully reached the Moon.
(Sourced online/el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s official visit to Japan is poised to be a catalyst for economic collaboration, as Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual announced that a minimum of five business deals and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) are scheduled for signing on December 18.
Speaking during a media interview in Tokyo, Secretary Pascual revealed that these agreements signify both Japanese companies’ expressions of interest to invest in the Philippines and mutual MOUs between Philippine and Japanese entities.
While specific details were not disclosed, Pascual emphasized the substantial nature of these commitments, underlining Japan’s confidence in the Philippines and its earnest plans for significant investments.
“These agreements align with the present administration’s policy of welcoming foreign investors, and Japanese businesses have been among the foremost contributors to the Philippine economy,” Pascual noted, acknowledging Japan’s pivotal role as one of the country’s largest investors.
President Marcos embarked on this diplomatic journey to Japan as part of the 50th Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Japan Friendship and Cooperation Commemorative Summit.
Japan, one of the Philippines’ three strategic partners, boasts 264 bilateral agreements with the country, spanning defense equipment and technology transfer, infrastructure development, and initiatives in Mindanao.
The robust economic ties between the two nations are underscored by Japan’s position as the Philippines’ second-largest trading partner in 2022, with a total trade volume of USD23.49 billion—a notable 10.9 percent increase from 2021.
Furthermore, Japan leads in providing Official Development Assistance, contributing a substantial 40.49 percent (USD12,923.99 million) to the Philippines’ total portfolio.
As the second-largest source of grant assistance, Japan’s support accounts for 28.93 percent (USD577.72 million) of the total grants’ portfolio, reflecting a deepening partnership between the two countries.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — The world’s second oldest woman, Fusa Tatsumi passed away Tuesday (12 Dec 2023) peacefully after eating her favorite meal.
Rachael Bunyan of Daily Mail reported that the world’s second oldest woman has died at the age of 116 at a nursing home in Japan.
Officials said, Fusa Tatsumi, who was Japan’s oldest person, passed away on Tuesday at the care facility in Osaka after eating her favorite meal of bean-paste jelly.
Born in 1907, Tatsumi raised three children with her husband, a farmer, in Osaka, local broadcaster MBS reported.
The world’s oldest woman, a French, Jeanne Calment, earlier died at the age of 122.
(JR AMIGO/ai/mnm)
This day, on December 8, 1941, a pivotal moment unfolded in Filipino history as Japan launched a surprise attack on the Philippines, a mere ten hours after their assault on Pearl Harbor. The blitz began with an initial aerial bombardment, swiftly followed by ground troops landing north and south of Manila.
Under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, Philippine and United States troops found themselves in a dire situation.
MacArthur, previously recalled to active duty in the United States Army, led the defense as the commander of the United States Armed Forces in the Asia-Pacific region.
However, circumstances in the Pacific region thwarted reinforcement and resupply efforts, resulting in the destruction of his command’s aircraft and the evacuation of naval forces.
Facing overwhelming numbers, the defending forces retreated to the Bataan Peninsula and the island of Corregidor at the entrance to Manila Bay.
To prevent the destruction of Manila, the city was declared an open city and was subsequently occupied by Japanese forces on January 2, 1942.
The valiant Philippine defense persisted until the eventual surrender of United States-Philippine forces on the Bataan Peninsula in April 1942 and on Corregidor in May.
Approximately 80,000 prisoners of war, captured during the fall of Bataan, endured the notorious “Death March” to a prison camp 105 kilometers to the north. Tragically, an estimated 10,000 men succumbed to disease and malnutrition or faced harsh treatment by their captors before reaching their destination.
Key figures such as Quezon, Osmeña, and MacArthur played pivotal roles during these tumultuous times. Quezon and Osmeña established a government in exile in the United States, while MacArthur, ordered to Australia, began planning for a strategic return to the Philippines.
Despite Japanese promises of independence for the islands, they initially established a Council of State to direct civil affairs. In October 1943, the Philippines was declared an independent republic under Japanese rule.
However, the Japanese occupation faced increasing opposition from underground and guerrilla activities, involving around 260,000 people in guerrilla organizations.
MacArthur’s Allied forces, landing on Leyte on October 20, 1944, initiated a series of strategic moves, including landings on Mindoro and around the Lingayen Gulf on Luzon’s west side.
Fierce battles ensued, particularly in the mountains of northern Luzon and Manila, where Japanese forces staged a last-ditch resistance.
The guerrilla activity reached large-scale proportions, with the Huks playing a significant role in Central Luzon. MacArthur, accompanied by Osmeña, continued the offensive, leading to Japan’s formal surrender on September 2, 1945.
The Philippines, however, had paid a heavy toll, with an estimated one million Filipinos losing their lives and extensive physical destruction, particularly in Manila, by the war’s end.
(Source: Country Studies, The US Library of Congress Federal Research Division. Photo credit: The National WWII Museum, New Orleans, LA)
(JR AMIGO/AI/MNM)
Olympian Miki Ishi and partner Akiko Hasegawa of Japan test the Nuvali Sand Courts.
OLYMPIC and world champions and top-ranked athletes take center stage in the Philippine leg of the prestigious Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour (BPT) Challenge that starts with the qualifiers on Thursday on five world-class sand courts in Nuvali in Santa Rosa City.
Reigning champions Anders Mol and Christian Sorum of Norway banner the cast in the loaded men’s division of the four-day competition that drew representatives from over 30 countries.
Mol and Sorum, gold medalists at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and FIVB 2022 Beach Volleyball World Championships won the inaugural BPT Challenge season last year in Doha, Qatar.
That should be enough for the Norwegians to loom as the heavy title favorites in men’s play of the competitions hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation led by Ramon “Tats” Suzara.
Tickets are available at vw.ticketmax.ph pegged at P100 for morning sessions and P200 for afternoon sessions.
Tickets will also be available onsite starting Thursday.
The Mol-Sorum tandem will face a bevy of challengers led by top-ranked players from Sweden, the Czech Republic, the United States, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Poland, and the Netherlands—all in the top 10 of the latest world beach volleyball rankings.
Mol and Sorum are already seeded in the 16-team main draw that also includes home bets Ran Abdilla and Jaron Requinton with eight more teams coming from the qualifications featuring 32 hopefuls.
James Buytrago and Rancel Varga as well as Anthony Arbasto and Alche Gupiteo will carry the flag in the qualifiers of the tournament that caps the PNVF’s busy 2023 calendar and supported by gold sponsors Ayala Land, Mikasa, Senoh, Philippine Sports Commission, Pinay In Action and Smart as gold sponsors and PLDT, Gatorade, Maynilad, Rebisco, Ayala Malls, Department of Tourism, CBPI, Club Laiya, Foton as bronze sponsors.
Meanwhile, reigning champions Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng of the United States as well as top-ranked and world champions Eduarda Santos Lisboa (Duda) and Ana Patricia Ramos of Brazil are out of the cast this time but the women’s bets are still not lacking in stars.
World No. 7 Barbara Seixas and Carol Solberg of Brazil with world No. 9 Chen Xue and Xinyi Xia of China spearhead the main draw of the women’s team with hopes of capturing their own moments this time.
Also in the 16-team main draw are Filipina spikers Jen Eslapor and Floremel Rodriguez while Sofiah Pagara and Khylem Progella will vie in the 32-team qualifiers, where eight more teams will advance.
Japanese Olympian Miki Ishi and partner Akiko Hasegawa, who’ll turn 38 Thursday, have already tested the five-court Nuvali Sand Courts.
Stalwarts from Australia, Switzerland, France, England, Portugal, China, Chile, Austria, Lithuania, Estonia, Switzerland, Oman, Thailand, Latvia, Japan, New Zealand, Israel, Spain, Turkey, Gambia, Morocco, Malaysia, Finland, Slovenia, Ukraine and Slovakia are also in the fray.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
The Philippines is an irreplaceable partner for Japan.
So said Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on Saturday in his speech as he graced the special joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City.
Kishida likewise said that he was honored to speak before the Congress of the Philippines.
The most recent joint gathering of the House of Representatives and the Senate to receive a message from a foreign head of state occurred in February 2006 when Indian President Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam visited.
The joint Congress has previously hosted several other international leaders, including Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in April 2005, China President Hu Jintao in April 2005, US President George W. Bush in 2003, and US President Dwight Eisenhower in 1960.
“The Philippines, with the second largest population among ASEAN countries and more than 300,000 citizens living in Japan, is an irreplaceable partner for Japan. I am honored to have the opportunity to be the first Japanese Prime Minister to speak here at the Congress of the Philippines, which has a long tradition,” the Prime Minister said.
He also said that the Japan-Philippines relationship has reached the point of being called a “golden age.”
“This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the friendship and cooperation between Japan and ASEAN, and in December, we will host a commemorative summit meeting in Tokyo,” Kishida said.
“Against this backdrop, I am very delighted to have the opportunity to visit Manila for the first time as Prime Minister and to express my views on Japan’s foreign policy, including strengthening relations with the Philippines and ASEAN,” he added.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez extended appreciation to Kishida.
“In the spirit of unity and partnership, we extend our sincere and heartfelt appreciation to his excellency, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio,” Romualdez said.
“With reverence and hope for our shared future, today’s discourse fortifies the bridge between our great nations. Maraming salamat at mabuhay po tayong lahat!” he added.
Kishida visited the Philippines from November 3 to 4. He was welcomed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday in Malacañang Palace.
(ai/mnm)
Qualities the World’s Safest Countries Have in Common
There are some commonalities among the safest countries in the world. For instance, safe countries tend to display high levels of wealth, social welfare, and education. Additionally, safe countries typically have effective criminal justice systems and governments that maintain very healthy relationships with their citizens.
Here is the list:
Profiles of the World’s 10 Safest Countries
1. Iceland
According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest country in the world for the 14th year in a row. Iceland is a Nordic nation with a relatively small population of 340,000. Iceland has a very low level of crime, which is typically attributed to its high standard of living, small population, strong social attitudes against crime, a high level of trust in its well-trained police force, and a lack of tension among social and economic classes. Iceland has no military, and the police do not carry firearms (only extendable batons and pepper spray). Iceland also has laws in place to guarantee equality, such as legal same-sex marriage and same-sex adoptions, religious freedom, and equal pay for men and women.
2. New Zealand
New Zealand is the second-safest country in the world. Like Iceland, New Zealand has a very low crime rate, and violent crime is especially rare. Theft is still worth guarding against, especially in tourist areas (which holds true in every country in the world), but overall risk is minimal. Unlike its neighbor Australia, which is known for its dangerous wildlife (box jellyfish, taipan snakes, stonefish, funnel web spiders, and more), New Zealand has no deadly animals. New Zealanders are generally open-minded and have laws in place to prevent the violation of anyone’s freedom of speech or expression. As in Iceland, police in New Zealand do not carry personal firearms.
3. Ireland
Ireland became notably more peaceful in 2021 and vaulted from 11th place to 3rd in the 2022 rankings as a result. Crime is quite low outside of a few city neighborhoods ( as in any country, one should be wary of pickpockets and scammers in tourist-dense areas), and there is little threat of cultural violence or terrorism. In fact, the Irish landscape may pose a greater safety risk than its people—the country’s breathtaking cliffs and winding country roads must be treated with respect, especially during a sudden rainstorm or in areas with no cell reception.
4. Denmark
Ranked fourth on the 2022 Global Peace Index, Denmark is another one of the safest and happiest countries in the world. Denmark is one of the few countries where people report feeling safe at any time of day or night, even children. Denmark has a high level of equality and a strong sense of common responsibility for social welfare — two qualities that contribute to its citizens’ feelings of safety and happiness.
Corruption is rare in Danish business or politics, as honesty and trust are top priorities. While Denmark has a high personal income tax, it funds social programs that ensure all people receive services and perks that help them live comfortable lives. For example, everyone in Denmark has access to tuition-free higher education and healthcare with no additional fees to them, and the elderly are provided at-home care helpers.
5. Austria
Austria ranked as the fifth-safest country in the world for 2022. While violent demonstrations in the wake of ongoing social unrest remain a concern, these are relatively easy to avoid, and otherwise, Austria is a very safe country to visit. Serious crimes are uncommon (with the usual caveat to watch for pickpockets and purse snatchers). Additionally, Austria has been spared any major acts of terrorism in recent years.
6. Portugal
Portugal comes in sixth in the most peaceful countries’ rankings for 2022. In 2014, Portugal was ranked 18th globally and has since made significant strides. Unlike Iceland and New Zealand, Portugal has armed police; however, an increased police presence has resulted in a decreased crime rate in the country. In recent years, Portugal has experienced an economic resurgence, decreasing its unemployment rate from over 17% to under 7%. Portugal consistently ranks among the best countries for retirement, due in no small part to its high level of safety.
7. Slovenia
One of the former constituents of Yugoslavia, Slovenia has a high safety ranking that can be attributed to its excellent scores in three categories: travel security, medical risks, and road safety. Like many Slavic states, Slovenia installed a democratic government in the mid-1990s and is now focused on improving quality of life in many areas, including safety and sustainability.
8. Czech Republic
Crime rates in the Czech Republic have steadily decreased over the years, with rates of violent crime in particular dropping significantly. The Czech Republic also has a low incidence of terrorism and natural disasters. Finally, the country boasts many clean and efficient hospitals and a state-run health insurance system that offers affordable rates and enables near-universal coverage.
9. Singapore
Singapore ranks ninth on the GPI for 2022. In a Gallup report from 2018, Singapore residents felt the highest sense of personal security and had more positive experiences with law enforcement than did residents of any other country. Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, possibly due to the severe penalties that are issued for even small crimes. The government and police strictly control guns and other firearms, and violent and confrontational crimes are rare in Singapore.
As a city-state, Singapore also ranks as the second-safest city in the world according to the Safe Cities Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). In 2019, Singapore ranked first for infrastructure security and personal security, second for digital security, and eighth for health security.
10. Japan
The tenth-safest country in the world for 2022 is Japan. Japan has been in the top ten countries in the Global Peace Index for 14 years, consistently receiving high marks for low crime rates, minimal internal conflict, and virtually nonexistent political unrest. Japan’s proximity to potentially hostile neighbors China and North Korea could become a threat to its safety at some point, but has not thus far.
Japan is known for citizens having limited access to firearms, as the Japanese do not view carrying a firearm as an individual’s right. According to the Safe Cities Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit, Tokyo was the safest city in the world in 2019, ranking first in cybersecurity, second for health security, and fourth for infrastructure security and personal security.
Source: IEP applies a rigorous research process to arrive at its GPI rankings. According to IEP, “The GPI covers 163 countries comprising 99.7 percent of the world’s population, using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources.
(Filed by JR AMIGO/AI/MNM)
Ni Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Sinabi ni Speaker Martin Romualdez nitong Miyerkoles na ang pagbisita ni Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sa Pilipinas ay lilikha ng mga bagong oportunidad para sa pag-unlad sa pagitan ng Manila at Tokyo.
Ayon kay Romualdez, ang pagbisita ni Kishida ay tiyak na magpapatibay sa relasyon ng Pilipinas at Japan.
Magkakaroon ng special session ang Senado at Kamara sa Nobyembre 4 para sa pagbisita ni Kishida sa bansa.
“This visit, symbolizing the deep and longstanding bond our nations have forged, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a unified vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, signifies the strength of our bilateral ties,” wika ng pinuno ng Kamara.
“We are optimistic that through our discussions, new pathways for collaboration and development will emerge, promising enhanced opportunities and a brighter future for all Filipinos, here and in Japan,” dagdag pa niya.
Dahil ang espesyal na joint session ay magaganap sa punong-tanggapan ng Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan, nangako si Romualdez na titiyakin na magiging kapaki-pakinabang ang pagbisita ng Punong Ministro.
“The House of Representatives, as the honored venue host of this significant event in the Batasang Pambansa Complex, is committed to exerting all efforts to ensure that Prime Minister Kishida’s visit is both fruitful and memorable,” ani Romualdez.
(ai/mnm)
Ni Liza Soriano
MANILA — Nakatakdang magdaos ng Special Session ang Senado at Kamara sa Nobyembre 4 para kay Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, ayon kay Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Si Kishida ay nasa bansa simula Nobyembre 3 sa hangaring palakasin ang kooperasyon sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa.
“We look forward to the address of a leader of a nation that is a robust trading partner, a strong security ally, a lending hand during calamities, and an investor in Philippine progress,“ ani Zubiri.
Paliwanag ni Zubiri, magkahiwalay munang magpupulong ang Senado at Kamara sa alas-9 ng umaga sa Nobyembre 4 para magpasa ng mga resolusyon sa pag-imbita kay Kishida sa Kongreso at sa pagsasagawa ng joint session.
Sinabi ni Zubiri na nakatakdang humarap si Kishida sa Kongreso alas-11 ng umaga ng Sabado (November 4, 2023) sa Batasang Pambansa Complex sa Quezon City.
(ai/mnm)
On October 20, 1944, General Douglas MacArthur as the head of the largest US fleet of transport and warships, accompanied by Commonwealth President Sergio Osmeña and Gen. Carlos P. Romulo, landed on Palo, Leyte to reclaim the Philippines from the Japanese invaders.
Gen. MacArthur made true his famous vow “I shall return” promise following his escape from Corregidor on March 11, 1942, to Australia together with his wife and four-year-old son, and others on orders of President Franklin D. Roosevelt to avoid being overrun by Japanese Forces.
“I shall return” is the last phrase of his statement before reporters:
“The President of the United States ordered me to break through the Japanese lines and proceed from Corregidor to Australia for the purpose, as I understand it, of organizing the American offensive against Japan, a primary objective of which is the relief of the Philippines. I came through and I shall return.”
With his feet finally back on Philippine soil, and his pledge at last being fulfilled, MacArthur spoke with great emotion just moments after he waded ashore:
“I have returned. By the grace of Almighty God our forces stand again on Philippine soil — soil consecrated in the blood of our two peoples. We have come, dedicated and committed, to the task of destroying every vestige of enemy control over your daily lives, and of restoring, upon a foundation of indestructible, strength, the liberties of your people.”
“At my side is your President, Sergio Osmeña, worthy successor of that great patriot, Manuel Quezon, with members of his cabinet. The seat of your government is now therefore firmly re-established on Philippine soil.”
“The hour of your redemption is here. Your patriots have demonstrated an unswerving and resolute devotion to the principles of freedom that challenge the best that is written on the pages of human history. I now call upon your supreme effort that the enemy may know from the temper of an aroused and outraged people within that he has a force there to contend with no less violent than is the force committed from without.”
“Rally to me. Let the indomitable spirit of Bataan and Corregidor lead on. As the lines of battle roll forward to bring you within the zone of operations, rise and strike. Strike at every favorable opportunity. For your homes and hearths, strike! For future generations of your sons and daughters, strike! In the name of your sacred dead, strike! Let no heart be faint. Let every arm be steeled. The guidance of divine God points the way. Follow in His Name to the Holy Grail of righteous victory!”
Other landings were made in Mindoro, Batangas, and Lingayen in subsequent months.
On February 3, 1945, the bloody Battle of Manila began.
Before this battle, Manila was considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Overlooking a tranquil bay, the so-called “Pearl of the Orient” was home to a unique culture drawn from four continents. No stranger to conflict, the city had been seized by the Spanish in the 16th century, attacked by the Chinese in the 17th, occupied by the British in the 18th, and taken by the Americans at the end of the 19th. But even this tumultuous history could not have prepared the Filipinos for what happened in February to early March of 1945 when Manila was utterly destroyed.
Amphibious landings and air attacks were made in various parts of the Philippines that were still in Japanese hands. MacArthur, who had taken over the government as Military Administrator, turned over the reins of the civil government to President Sergio Osmeña.
On July 4, 1945, he proclaimed the liberation of the entire Philippines from Japanese invasion.
Accordingly, MacArthur proposed that war be brought right at Japan’s door — bombing occurred day and night in mainland Japan, important Japanese ports and cities like Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kure as well as the deadly atomic bomb unleashed in Hiroshima, killing thousands of inhabitants.
On September 2, 1945, Japan unconditionally signed the terms of surrender on board the battleship Missouri at Tokyo Bay. Hence, MacArthur, one of the best-known American military leaders of World War II led occupation forces in the reconstruction of Japan.
Sources:
MacArthur’s Speeches, People and Events, American Experience, pbs.org
Philippine News Agency archives
(Filed by JR AMIGO/ai/mnm)
Image Courtesy of: Reuters
By Junex Doronio
IN THE FACE OF China’s “expansionist threat,” the Philippines, United States and Japan have jointly expressed their commitment to work for a free and open Indo-Pacific and ensure peaceful resolution of disputes.
This was declared by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Saturday in the Philippines) at the Second Trilateral Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“Our alliance with Japan and the Philippines is a cornerstone of our Indo-Pacific strategy. Together, we are committed to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, ensuring the peaceful resolution of disputes, and upholding international law,” Blinken announced.
Hosted by the US, the meeting was attended by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japan Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa.
Meanwhile, the Philippines is exploring legal options against China accusing it of destruction of coral reefs within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.
But China flatly dismissed the allegation, saying it was an attempt to “create political drama”. (ai/mnm)
MANILA – The Philippines will send 13 players to the 66th Tokai Athletics Championship scheduled from Aug. 26 to 27 in Fukuroi, Japan.
Cambodia SEA Games long jump champion Janry Ubas will lead the team composed of Anfernee Lopeña (men’s 100m); Umajesty Williams, Frederick Ramirez, Michael del Prado and Joyme Sequita (men’s 400m); Clinton Bautista (men’s 110m Hurdles); John Paul Sarmiento (men’s javelin throw); Ronne Malipay (men’s triple jump); Junel Gobotia (men’s 3,000m steeplechase); Jessel Lumapas (women’s 400m); Bernalyn Bejoy (women’s 800m); and Sarah Dequinan (women’s 100m Hurdles, long jump, high jump and javelin throw).
Williams, Del Prado, Sequita and Ramirez are also entered in the 4x400m relay event.
Joining the trip are coaches Jeoffrey Chua, Isidro del Prado and Dario de Rosas.
Of the 13 athletes, four — Ubas, Malipay, Lumapas and Dequinan — are going to the Asian Games slated Sept. 23 to Oct. 8 in Hangzhou, China.
“The Japan tournament is in the list of exposures for the Asian Games-bound athletes as well as other members of the national team,” head coach Jojo Posadas told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday.
Ubas, with a personal best of 8.08m, came from back-to-back victories in Europe.
“I’m expecting to improve my personal best and to make the podium,” the 29-year-old native of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental province said.
Ubas won the Motonet Grand Prix in Lappeenranta, Finland in 7.86 meters. His gold medal performance in Cambodia last May was 7.85m.
In Italy, he registered 7.72m to beat 2018 Summer Youth Olympics champion Lester Alcides Lescay Gay of Cuba at the 16th Triveneto Meeting Internationale in Trieste.
Before going to Europe, he placed seventh at the 25th Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, Thailand where he submitted 7.98m. He won the silver medal (7.95m) at the Taiwan Open last May 28. (PNA)