No let-up in bringing terrorists to justice, says US ambassador

MANILA, Philippines – The recent death of Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden marks an “important victory for all who want to live in peace, security and dignity,” according to US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr.

But Thomas also warned extremist groups who would use terrorism as a weapon that “there will be relentless, relentless efforts to bring you to justice.”

Speaking during Sunday’s US Memorial Day rites at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial (MACM) in Taguig City, the envoy noted that the Philippines “has long been our ally and a friend of the US.”

“We cherish the friendship and commitment of the Philippines and we will continue to work together in the spirit of collaboration combating global terrorism, offering support in the aftermath of natural disasters and jointly promoting peace and development,” said Thomas.

He reiterated what he told a recent reception on board the visiting US aircraft carrier Carl Vinson: “Now and in the future, we will maintain our strong and historic relationship, and we are dedicated to being a partner of the Philippines in times of need or in times of peril.”

Later in an interview, Thomas commended the Philippine government for doing its part in the global campaign against terrorism.

“As I’ve said several times, President Aquino himself has said that we must always remain vigilant in the face of terrorism. It’s one of the major challenges we face globally. And we’re pleased and proud of our cooperation with our Filipino partners, led by President Aquino, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, and Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr.,” he said.

Like Thomas, Oban stressed the need for relentless efforts against terrorist groups.

“Yes, definitely…That’s a global concern. We’re one with the international community in bringing about peace and prosperity,” he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

At the same time, Oban disclosed the AFP was conducting “continuous operations” against the Abu Sayyaf, the Mindanao-based terrorist group.

He also hinted of the recent arrest in Mindanao of a suspected Southeast Asian terrorist leader, which he called a “little victory in our war against terrorism.”

“It’s a blow to their group,” said Oban, who declined to provide other details about the AFP accomplishment.

In his remarks, Thomas emphasized that “the fight against violent extremism knows no national boundaries.”

“And today, we remember those Filipinos who have died in this battle here in the Philippines and elsewhere. We are honored and grateful for the sacrifices of people like Sgt Zainah Caye Creamer, a Fil-Am serving in the US Army who was killed (early this year) by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar, Afghanistan,” he said.

Creamer was “posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, the Nato and Meritorious Service medals for her actions before being laid to rest in the Philippines early this year,” according to Thomas.

Like visiting Gen. Gary North, commander of the US Pacific Air Forces, Thomas honored the more than 17,000 American soldiers “who gave their lives for freedom.”

“The thousands interred here also include over 500 Filipinos who fought shoulder to shoulder with Americans to liberate Manila and the entire Pacific theater, and who marched through Bataan. Together, American and Filipino soldiers fought a tide of aggression from Bataan to Corregidor to Leyte. Some of those who fought those battles are here with us today…We salute you. You are our heroes.”

Quoting Jose Rizal, his host country’s national hero, Thomas said, “What matters death if one dies for what he loves for his land and for whom he adores.”

“Each of the 50,000 names inscribed in this cemetery belongs to someone who shared Rizal’s sentiments…As we gather today, with 50,000 reminders, let us not forget the price that was paid for our freedom as we look forward to the future. We honor their sacrifices by continuing to strive for the ideals for which they gave their lives,” he added.

The 152-hectare MACM is located within the former US Army Reservation of Fort William McKinley, now Fort Bonifacio.

“The more than 17,000 graves represent 13,434 single identified remains, including 570 Philippine nationals who served with the US forces in the southwest Pacific, 3,644 graves of single unidentified remains, and 16 graves with 100 unidentified remains, which could not be separated individually…In 20 instances, two brothers lie side by side,” said an MACM souvenir material.

The same material said “on the rectangular piers of the hemicycles (of the MACM chapel) are inscribed the names of 36,282 of the missing (soldiers) who gave their lives in the service of their country, and who rest in unknown graves.”

At the MACM, more than two dozen wreaths were offered on Sunday by, among others, the American Association of the Philippines, Association of Thomasite Descendants, Battling Bastards of Bataan, Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, Veterans Federation of the Philippines, Disabled American Veterans, and the embassies of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

For Americans worldwide, Memorial Day – originally called “Decoration Day” – is a day of remembrance for those who have died in their nation’s service.

First observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, it is currently celebrated every last Monday in May.