By Honorary Reporters Diana Kassandra Almarez and Reinard de Guzman from Philippines

Photos= Diana Kassandra Almarez and Reinard de Guzman 

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and the 71st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines, it is important to remind people of both nations about the history of bilateral ties through shared memories of the war.

The Philippines sent troops to Korea on Sept. 19, 1950, and the 10th Battalion Combat Team (BCT) was the first among the five dispatches of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea. Technical Master Sgt. (Ret.) Bonifacio E. Talde, a member of the team, shared his experiences in and thoughts on the war in an interview.

Recruitment
In 1950, there was ongoing recruitment for the 10th BCT and Talde, a college undergraduate at the time, applied to join. He was accepted and received training in the Philippines, soon boasting great skill in handling a machine gun. On Sept. 15 of the same year, his team was sent to Korea because of its prowess. His family was initially unaware that he was going to Korea as a soldier but found out after he sent his pay from the Philippine Army to his siblings. "That's the order from the president because the Philippines is a member of the United Nations," he said.

Preparation in Korea
At the start of his tour of duty, his team was welcomed by Korean President Syngman Rhee and his daughter in Busan. The team then went to Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, for training and familiarization, and Talde said he saw burned and ruined houses along the way. He said he was always unsure of where his team was going because it was traveling to many places including Incheon, Pyeongyang, Suwon and Seoul. "I didn't know where they were taking us. But if we needed to walk, of course, I'd always go with them because I was carrying the guns," he said.

Korean War veteran Bonifacio E. Talde shares his memories from the conflict. 

His Journey and Survival
His excruciating journey began when the team started following its platoon captains and their American commanders, experiencing hunger and thirst along the way. "While walking to North Korea, we were thirsty. As we looked up the area where we stopped for rest, we couldn't find any river to get water to drink… except for the riverbank, which had the remains of war victims, and as their blood flowed with the water, there we got water," Talde said.

Every battalion team served a year in Korea. He said it was an endless and continuous ride and walk until they reached Pyeongyang. "At the place where I was assigned to aim my machine gun were groups of British soldiers. They carried out the dead and buried them at my location," he said.

Return Home
When Talde returned home, his team was welcomed by the Philippine Red Cross, government officials, soldiers, captains and the famous Philippine actress Rosa Rosal. The soldiers were transferred to Fort Bonifacio to rest and later went to Balara, Quezon City, to attend a function hosted by the Lions Club. "We were treated to a feast. Rosa Rosal was there. I'd already recovered so I also danced with the other students," he said.

On his wartime experience, he said it's all about luck, adding, "If you're lucky, it feels like you're just watching (what happened). It feels like a dream." He also emphasized the importance of the Korean War because his role in the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) was a huge contribution to his country.

To maintain the legacy of PEFTOK veterans, he said the youth of today can help create more programs about the war and PEFTOK, especially through the internet. "If youths help us through the internet, there is a big possibility that we won't be forgotten," he said.

His Message
Talde had the following message to the people of both nations today:

"First, to the youth before. To Korean youths during the war, thank you so much because you treated us well and showed kindness and respect.

To all Koreans today, because of the stories shared by my grandson who experienced study and life in Korea, I'm sure you retain the manners of your ancestors. Continue to be good to others just like how you showed us respect, kindness and hospitality. I hope you can also show it to other people.

To Filipinos, we were once a model for Korea when it was still trying to rise from the war. Compared to the past, there has been a huge change today and I hope (Korea) can also be our model toward peace and a better life.

To Philippine and Korean youths, we have no differences in our behavior because both know how to connect with other people. Filipinos are known to be hospitable like Koreans. There might be differences in culture, but they still have conformity in the way they eat. We should show all people respect and a good attitude."

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.