US reiterates firm support for Philippines on Independence Day

MANILA, Philippines — The United States congratulated Filipinos yesterday on the 127th anniversary of the country’s independence, giving reassurance of Washington’s support amid growing security concerns in the region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement, declared his country’s firm commitment to an ally which is resisting China’s bullying and other acts of provocation at sea.

“As we work together to uphold international law in the South China Sea, the United States remains unwavering in its ironclad commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty,” he said.

“We are committed to working alongside the Philippines as friends, partners, and allies to achieve our shared goals of peace, security, and prosperity,” Rubio said as he conveyed his “warmest congratulations to the people of the Philippines as you celebrate your Independence Day on June 12.”

“The steadfast friendship between the United States and the Philippines is rooted in our long history, marked this year by the 80th anniversary of our shared sacrifice that led to victory in World War II,” he pointed out.

Rubio emphasized that at present, it’s common interests, shared democratic values, mutual economic benefit, and bedrock people-to-people ties that reaffirm the firmness of bilateral relations between the US and the Philippines.

“Recent strides in security collaboration and energy, among many other areas, reflect the mutual priority we place on enhancing our relationship,” he said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, in his Independence Day message, voiced the nation’s commitment to an independent foreign policy that promotes and protects Philippine interests.

“The same courage and resilience that fueled the Katipunan, is the same one that moves our foreign service. The same grit carved in the DNA of every Filipino who shed her or his blood for our independence is the same one that drives our diplomats to protect our sovereignty,” he said.

“The same consciousness that made Rizal’s pen literary masterpieces that ignited the Philippines quest for independence is the same one that inspires the women and men of the Department of Foreign Affairs to help propel our nation to new heights,” he added.

“As we look back on our struggles in solidifying our nationhood, let us not also forget our unique place in history as the earliest modern democracy in Asia where democracy, universal human rights, freedom, sovereignty, and self-determination are valued,” Manalo said.

He said the Independence Day theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” should remind every Filipino to honor his heritage while looking to the future.

“Our great forebears have fought with their lives in the hopes that our nation would thrive and prosper on its own, free from the oppression of foreign powers, and free to chart its own destiny,” he said.

Chinese allies honored

In Beijing, the Philippine embassy also honored the Chinese who fought alongside Filipinos during World War II.

Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz, in a speech on Wednesday, cited the display of courage and bravery by Filipinos and Chinese who fought side by side to liberate the town of Sta. Cruz, Laguna from the Japanese occupiers during the Second World War. Guests in the diplomatic reception included descendants of World War II Filipino-Chinese guerrillas.

“Ours is a story of honor, camaraderie and bravery in the fight for independence and self-determination. It is a story of our fight for freedom and nationhood,” FlorCruz said.

He also spoke of centuries of people-to-people exchanges between Filipinos and Chinese.

“Tonight, I wish to put the spotlight on people – the many men and women who have been building bridges of friendship between the Philippines and China,” FlorCruz said.

During the reception, the Philippine embassy also launched the book #MadeItInChina, a compilation of stories from an online series of the same title featuring Filipinos of different professions who have succeeded in China through the years.

“Their stories are a testament to the strength and resilience of our people and highlight their distinctive contributions to the narrative of Philippine-China friendship. Their stories show that China is a place where Filipinos can find their chosen careers, thrive and succeed,” FlorCruz said.

In the waters of Kagoshima, Japan, officers and crew of the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua held a flag raising ceremony as part of their Independence Day celebration.

The Teresa Magbaua, with 123 officers and crewmembers, was in Japanese waters to take part in the second Trilateral Maritime Exercise with the coast guards of Japan and the United States.

+Video clip of the ceremony was posted by the PCG on its Facebook account.

Through the exercise, PCG commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said they hope to enhance their readiness in dealing with hostilities in the West Philippine Sea.

New Navy ship launched in South Korea

Also in time for the Independence Day anniversary, the Philippine Navy launched its newly acquired patrol vessel in Ulsan, South Korea on Wednesday.

With the launch of BRP Rajah Sulayman, the military said it “reinforced its dedication to national sovereignty and defense modernization.”

“The launch of Offshore Patrol Vessel No. 1, the BRP Rajah Sulayman, is not merely the unveiling of a new ship – it is a bold declaration of our commitment to maritime security and the defense of our sovereignty,” Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said during the launching ceremony.

“This vessel marks a new chapter for the Philippine Navy, reflecting our resolve to enhance our operational capabilities and extend our presence across our vast maritime domain,” he added.

Also present during the event was Joo Won Ho, chief operating officer and senior executive vice president of South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries. –  Evelyn Macairan