Japan participates in 78th Anniversary of the Battle of Surigao Strait commemoration

On 24-25 October 2022, Commander SEKINE Takeharu, the Vice Defense Attaché of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, joined in the commemoration of the Anniversary of the Battle of Surigao Strait. On behalf of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, CDR Sekine took part in a series of activities and ceremonies hosted by the local government of Surigao City and Province of Dinagat Islands to mark the 78^th anniversary of the said historic events.

On 24 October, CDR SEKINE, together with Surigao del Norte Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao, led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Japanese Cremation Site inside the Surigao del Norte National High School (SDNNHS). The ceremony was also graced by Richard Sission, the Chargé d’affaires of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, and Capt. Jack Silver, the Executive Officer of the Joint Australian Training Team-Philippines.

Likewise, the Commemoration of the Battle of Surigao Strait in Surigao City and Dinagat Islands followed the next day on 25 October. The four-part Memorial Ceremonies of the Battle of Surigao included messages of Solidarity from the Embassies of Japan, US, and Australia in the Philippines, the Wreath Laying Ceremonies at the Battle of Surigao Strait Memorial Site, and the Lighting of the Memorial Flame. The ceremonies concluded with a Wreath-Laying and Flower Offering at Sea.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Dinagat Island Provincial Governance Center (Governor’s Hall) was also conducted on the same day. The said new provincial capitol, which takes inspiration from Japan’s IJN Yamashiro battleship, will house the Battle of Surigao Strait memorabilia.

Accordingly, CDR SEKINE delivered Chargé d’affaires MATSUDA Kenichi's message on his behalf, in which he paid sincerest tribute to those who suffered and perished during the War in the Philippines. In his message, he added that Japan will continue in the steadfast course of a peace-loving nation as it has long devoted itself to world peace and prosperity.
 
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