Post by In the Media on Apr 10, 2011 6:35:51 GMT 8
Apologies, remorse from Japan envoy
By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
10 April 2011
PILAR, Bataan, Philippines—Almost 70 years after Filipino and American soldiers surrendered to Japanese forces in Bataan and were forced to march to their deaths or to the concentration camp in Tarlac, Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura expressed regret and remorse to Filipinos.
“As I stand before this venerable shrine on Mt. Samat, let me reiterate my greatest tribute to all those who fought and fell, and my heartfelt apologies and deep sense of remorse over the damage caused by the Japanese military … during World War II, including the tragic Bataan death march,” Katsura said in his speech at Saturday’s commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan.
Katsura said that Japan was reborn as a peace-loving country after World War II and that it had resolved to contribute to peace and prosperity in the world.
“In this context, I am deeply moved by the Filipino people’s noble spirit of reconciliation and sense of fairness. Indeed, the Filipino people have been appreciating Japan as we are today—a peace-loving nation that shares the fundamental values of democracy, freedom and respect for human rights,” he said.
Katsura also thanked the Philippines in light of the recent earthquake and tsunami that killed thousands in Japan.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the heartfelt messages of sympathies and condolences which His Excellency the President and many people of the Philippines have extended,” he said.
By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
10 April 2011
PILAR, Bataan, Philippines—Almost 70 years after Filipino and American soldiers surrendered to Japanese forces in Bataan and were forced to march to their deaths or to the concentration camp in Tarlac, Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura expressed regret and remorse to Filipinos.
“As I stand before this venerable shrine on Mt. Samat, let me reiterate my greatest tribute to all those who fought and fell, and my heartfelt apologies and deep sense of remorse over the damage caused by the Japanese military … during World War II, including the tragic Bataan death march,” Katsura said in his speech at Saturday’s commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan.
Katsura said that Japan was reborn as a peace-loving country after World War II and that it had resolved to contribute to peace and prosperity in the world.
“In this context, I am deeply moved by the Filipino people’s noble spirit of reconciliation and sense of fairness. Indeed, the Filipino people have been appreciating Japan as we are today—a peace-loving nation that shares the fundamental values of democracy, freedom and respect for human rights,” he said.
Katsura also thanked the Philippines in light of the recent earthquake and tsunami that killed thousands in Japan.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the heartfelt messages of sympathies and condolences which His Excellency the President and many people of the Philippines have extended,” he said.