Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Takehiro Kano Joins the Commemoration of the 74th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings

On October 20th, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Takehiro Kano attended the Commemorative ceremony for the 74th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings at the MacArthur Landing Memorial Park in Palo City, Leyte. Officials of the government of the Philippines, Japanese, US and Australian Embassy dignitaries, and WW II veterans also graced the affair, which was hosted by the Province of Leyte and the municipality of Palo.

In his solidarity message, DCM Kano said “We shall not forget that the peace and prosperity we enjoy today was built upon the precious sacrifices of those who gave their last full measure of devotion.” He also thanked the Filipino people for the “magnanimity and compassion” they extended to Japan in the aftermath of this tragedy.

DCM Kano noted the growing defense partnership between Japan and  the Philippines in recent years, and said that “All countries which are represented here today share and cherish fundamental values such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law, and are fully committed to supporting and strengthening a rules-based international order.” He expressed hope for greater opportunities for cooperation among these countries.

Before the event, DCM Kano paid a courtesy call on Leyte governor Dominico Petilla and Palo municipality mayor Remedios Petilla and expressed appreciation for their hospitality. Both officials, in turn, thanked Japan for its assistance to the region through JICA , particularly in the rehabilitation and reconstruction undertaken in the wake of the devastation brought by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.