The Philippines embassy awarded Korea’s high-ranking naval officer for his contribution to disaster relief efforts in the central Philippines in late 2013.

Vice Admiral Koo Ok-hyoe, superintendent of the Republic of Korea Naval Academy, received the Chief of Staff Commendation Medal and Ribbon ― the highest distinction awarded by the Philippines military ― at a ceremony at the embassy on Jan. 29. 

“A true friend is someone who helps a friend in need,” said Philippines Ambassador to Korea Raul S. Hernandez. “As our steadfast partner and ally for the last 66 years, Korea came to our aid in December 2013 when our country was hit by the super-typhoon Haiyan in Leyte Island in central Philippines.”

Hernandez said, “In the midst of that Herculean effort, Vice Admiral Koo played a crucial role in organizing the necessary resources to deploy the Republic of Korea Military Joint Support Group, also known as the Araw Contingent.” 

The ambassador thanked Koo, the servicemembers of the contingent and the Korean government for their “heartwarming material and moral contributions” to the yearlong rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts that followed.

Koo said in a speech, “Our two nations are blood-tied allies. The Philippines government sent 7,500 troops to Korea during the Korean War of 1950-53.”

“A total of 430 were injured or killed in action to safeguard the freedom and peace of our country. Korea developed due to their sacred sacrifice.”

The Vice Admiral said the contingent was deployed “under the just and great cause of returning our indebtedness and contributing to world peace by assisting the recovery from the typhoon.”

“I am truly honored to receive this medal. I just did what was the right thing to do,” Koo said.

There are currently three midshipmen from the Philippines studying and training at the Naval Academy as part of a four-year inter-governmental program organized by the Defense Ministry. The midshipmen will return to their country after graduation and serve in the navy as officers or in diplomatic missions as military attaches, an academy official said.

By Joel Lee (joel@heraldcorp.com)