The city government of Surigao and the government of Japan paid respects to the Japanese soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of Surigao Strait in a ceremony.
The candle lighting and wreath-laying ceremony at the Japanese Cremation Site inside the Surigao del Norte National High School (SDNNHS) ground were led by Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao and Commander Sekine Takeharu, the Vice Defense Attaché of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
“Having learned the profound lessons of the war, Japan shall always dedicate itself to the ways of peace.”
The activity was among the highlights of the commemoration of the 78th year anniversary of the Battle of Surigao Strait that took place on Oct. 25, 1944.
Around 500 Japanese soldiers and Navy personnel were killed during the successive air raids in Surigao City from Sept. 4 up to the Battle of Surigao Strait on Oct. 25, which ended in a decisive loss for Imperial Japan.
“My deepest sympathy goes to those who lost their lives here during the war. As we come together in this cremation site, I pray for their eternal rest,” Takeharu said in his message.
He added that after World War II ended, Japan has become a nation that abhors war and promotes peace, stability, and prosperity.
“The hard work of our leaders to foster mutual trust and friendship between Japan and the Philippines, and the Filipino people’s forgiving heart have made us into what we are today – close friends and strategic partners,” Takeharu stressed.
He said Japan has worked with the Philippine government in the fight against the pandemic, maritime security, and the peace process in Mindanao.
“Having learned the profound lessons of the war, Japan shall always dedicate itself to the ways of peace. With this promise, I pray for the fallen to rest in peace, and may their souls protect the people here,” Takeharu said.
“The Filipino people’s forgiving hearts have made us into what we are today – close friends and strategic partners.”
Dumlao, meanwhile, said the “solemn ceremony” was a way of conveying condolences to the victims of the war and a show of camaraderie as nations that promote peace and security.
“Let this commemoration be our way of manifesting support for each other and the readiness to cooperate with the development we intend to achieve,” the mayor said.
He also asked Surigaonons to pray to deepen the peace the city is enjoying which is the product of the precious sacrifices of those who perished during the war.
The ceremony was also graced by Richard Sission, the Charge of Affairs of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, and Capt. Jack Silver, the executive officer of the Joint Australian Training Team-Philippines.
Surviving Filipino veterans, school officials, and students of SDNNHS were also present during the ceremony.
