MANILA (PNA) — Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe on Wednesday expressed apologies to Filipinos for acts of violence done during World War II (WW2).
During a speech he delivered during the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) rites at the Mt. Samat shrine in Pilar, Bataan, Urabe said that although 72 years have passed since WW2 it still hurts to remember the pain suffered by many.
“I wish to express our heartfelt apologies and deep sense of remorse for such inexplicable suffering,” Urabe said in his speech.
Urabe further said that Japan has learned valuable lessons from history: that “the use of force does not give ultimate solutions” but rather “only creates problems”. He then vowed never to wage war again.
“Actions speak louder than words. Our deeds in the past seven decades validate our resolve,” Urabe noted.
He then said that it was fortunate how Filipinos have accepted to move on and are even building the future together with Japan ever since.
“Thanks to the efforts of our predecessors, we are now strategic partners, sharing common values,” he said.
Aside from the exchange of visits and contacts between Philippine and Japanese leaders on a regular basis, Urabe also said that Japanese soldiers were back in Leyte for the ‘Operation Sangkay’ providing disaster relief.
He then expressed pride in the country’s signing ceremony of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro last March 27, of which Japan played a constructive role in the progress of the Mindanao process.
“We are proud of and are committed to continue our contribution in peace building in Mindanao,” he said.
Urabe then promised to continue to contribute proactively to the peace, stability, and prosperity to the Philippines and international community.
He also thanked Filipinos and Americans for “building peace.” (Philippine News Agency)
