Marcos pays respects to Australian soldiers

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As part of his state visit to Australia, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. paid his respects Thursday to Australian soldiers.

Marcos and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos went to the Australian War Memorial Gallery. The Philippine president offered a wreath to honor the Australian soldiers who fought in order to achieve freedom.

“We paid our respects to Australian soldiers, some of whom fought side by side with our own in the pursuit of freedom,” Marcos said.

“We honour their legacy by renewing our commitment to peace, ensuring that future generations can live a secure life, free from conflict,” he added.

In his address before the Australian Parliament, Marcos recalled how the two nations had faced common danger amid the war in 1942.

“Filipino soldiers fought valiantly in Bataan and Corregidor. They faced the impossible task of holding back the enemy’s advance, and yet we did,” Marcos said.

“These efforts helped keep Australia safe. And in return, a grateful Australian people provided temporary refuge for the wartime Filipino leadership. And, at the most crucial moment, Australian airmen, sailors, and soldiers fought side by side with Filipinos as we, together with our allies, turned the tide of war,” he added.

“Just as Filipinos lost lives to keep Australians safe at the onset of war, so did Australians offer their lives to restore freedom in the Philippines at the dawn of peace,” Marcos said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News