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February 23, 2025 | 12:00am
President Marcos, joined by US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, greets war veterans during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila at the American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City on February 22, 2025
Noel Pabalate
MANILA, Philippines — Amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines will continue to foster peace and greater cooperation with the international community in maintaining a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, even as it remains resolute in standing for what is right, President Marcos said yesterday.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig, Marcos said the Philippines – deeply familiar with the atrocities brought about by war between and among nations – has always chosen the path of peace.
“Through diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation, we have successfully maintained a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous,” the President said.
“We have and will continue to work with partners and the international community in building bridges, forging solutions, preserving our global commons,” he said.
Among those present were US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, US Indo-Pacific Command Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.
Marcos, however, said the country would not be deterred and “will always stand for what is right.”
The President’s statement came in the face of China’s continued aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea and defiance of international laws.
In his remarks, Marcos highlighted the continuing strong bond between the Philippines and the US.
“In a world where the only thing that appears to be constant is change, we are thus gratified by our enduring alliance, our partnership and friendship with the United States, especially towards advancing our common agenda of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.
Marcos noted that the armed forces of both countries would conduct the Balikatan exercises in a few weeks’ time.
“There is no doubt that our relationship is robust, with our two countries continuing to work together to address common challenges,” he said.
For his part, Paparo renewed the US’s commitment to supporting Manila’s defense and security capabilities.
“We’ve responded together to natural disasters, and we’ve worked together to support a free and open regional order, and we both remain committed to the defense and security in the Philippines, and we’ll continue to work together to deter aggression and uphold international law,” he said in his message.
Carlson said US-Philippines ties are now stronger than ever.
“Our shared experience fighting side by side 80 years ago continues to provide meaning and focus for the modern US-Philippine alliance, as we work together today to address shared challenges ranging from maritime security and disaster response,” Carlson said.
The event commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila, which took place from Feb. 3 to March 3, 1945, a defining moment in the Pacific theater of World War II and one of the most significant events in Philippine history.
The ground war between American and Japanese military forces resulted in the complete devastation of over 600 city blocks and the deaths of more than 100,000 Filipino civilians.
“The United States, the Philippines and Japan now stand as partners, demonstrating that yesterday’s barriers can be overcome in the spirit of friendship and cooperation,” Carlson said.
