A statue in Manila to commemorate wartime sex slaves — called comfort women by their Japanese tormentors — has been torn down under cover of darkness. A government official said today (Saturday, April 28) that the bronze statue on Roxas Boulevard was removed as part of a drainage project. As we reported in December, the… Full Story »
History
Baybayin alphabet could become official script of the Philippines
Baybayin — the ancient writing system of the Philippines — could be making a comeback, if lawmakers have their way. The script is a step closer to becoming the official national writing system of the Philippines with the approval of the National Writing System Act (House Bill No. 1022) by the House Committee on Basic… Full Story »
Japanese military attaché’s ‘deep remorse’ for wartime wrongs in Palawan
The Japanese military attaché in the Philippines has expressed “deep remorse” over the acts of violence his country had committed in Palawan in World War Two. Colonel Kazunobu Akutsu, who was sent for the first time by the Japan Embassy to attend the commemoration of the 73rd Palawan Liberation Anniversary, bowed his head in front… Full Story »
Duterte apologises to Hong Kong for 2010 Manila hostage crisis
President Duterte has apologised to Hong Kong for the death of eight tourists from the city state in the 2010 Manila hostage crisis. The president’s words today (Thursday, April 12) were the first official apology from a Philippine president for the bloody fiasco that strained relations between the two countries. During a speech to about… Full Story »
Last survivors of Bataan Death March recount tales of valour
Of the estimated 80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war who took part in the infamous Bataan Death March 76 years ago, only three are still alive. Records at the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office named the centenarian war veterans as Private First Class Juliano de La Peña, 107, Colonel Catalino del Rosario Ibañez, and Colonel… Full Story »
