Aquino leads rites for Leyte landing

Palo, Leyte — President Aquino led yesterday morning the 67th anniversary rites commemorating Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s landing at the Leyte Gulf, an event that signaled the start of the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation during World War II.

“It is good to see the wounds of war have healed,” President Aquino said in his speech.

President Aquino said the countries that figured in Leyte 67 years ago have become staunch partners in cooperation.

“The war is over. The peace needs to be won completely,” President Aquino said.

Filipino war veterans and their dependents attended the ceremonies at the Leyte Landing monument in this town.

On hand to deliver solidarity greetings are ambassadors Toshinao Urabe of Japan and Harry Thomas of the US; Francisco San Miguel, vice president of the Veterans’ Federation of the Philippines; Capt. Craig White, defense attache of the Australian embassy; and James Christoff, counselor for political economic affairs of the Canadian embassy.  INQUIRER