A message of peace in troubled times

Last month, events related to our shared military history in this region may not have made the headlines. But they are significant in the ever-evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes the Philippines.

Each of these events had a high-level cast of characters. Their body language showed confidence in their bilateral relations and friendships, even if it sent an indirect message to those who distrust these security alliances around the South China Sea and East Sea.

People who are in the business of communication would easily grasp the messaging behind these events, which they succeeded in conveying: a unified front against an aggressor. The message was simple, perhaps even subtle, yet the optics were dramatic nonetheless: President Marcos and United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson were captured on camera on a Saturday afternoon. On Feb. 22, they sat next to each other at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Manila from Japanese forces. As Carlson put it, the Battle of Manila was “one of the most harrowing chapters of our nations’ shared history.”

Historical anchor

The commemoration of one of the bloodiest battles in the last Pacific War amplified the message that Philippine-US relations have stood the test of time, come hell or high water. The two countries have chosen to be on the same side from Manila’s widespread destruction at the end of World War II to the Vietnam and Korean Wars and the spread of communism, which also saw the rise of anti-American sentiment and the global war on terror following 9/11.

Despite political and economic upheavals on both sides of the Pacific, the Philippines and the US have remained friends, with the pillars of the alliance intact: defense, economy, diplomacy and political relations, and people-to-people exchanges.

At the largest American cemetery outside the US, Mr. Marcos delivered a keynote address in which he emphasized that “Filipinos paid the highest price for democracy to be preserved and for democracy to flourish” during WWII and the liberation of Manila.

But he wisely seized the moment by providing a modern context for our long-standing alliance with America.

Peace over war

The President underscored that the country, learning its lessons from “bitter war memories,” has pursued the path to peace by resolving conflicts without concessions. He spoke about the country’s unwavering commitment to a peaceful path despite challenges in the region. “The Philippines, deeply familiar with the atrocities brought about by war between and among nations, has always chosen the path of peace, and I can assure all of you that we will continue to do so,” the President said, stressing the Philippines “will always make a stand and will always stand for what is right.”

In a nutshell, what President Marcos is saying is that we must remember painful memories, learn from the lessons of war, and honor our fallen heroes. But we must move forward by seizing the moment.

“In peace and in war, through natural disasters and pandemics, Philippine-US relations are firmly anchored on the values and principles that we cherish—peace, democracy, fairness, social progress, and justice,” the President said.

Overcoming historical barriers

Carlson, for her part, noted that in just one generation, “the security landscape in this region has undergone a dramatic transformation. The United States, the Philippines, and Japan now stand as partners—demonstrating that yesterday’s barriers can be overcome in the spirit of friendship and cooperation.”

As if on cue, the next day, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani was in town, visiting radar installations in the Philippines bought from Japan and meeting with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. The visit was aimed at deepening security ties between Japan and the Philippines in response to China’s increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

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The following Monday, Feb. 24, Nakatani was in Malacañang, paying a courtesy call on Mr. Marcos.

The optics of these meetings conveyed the message that yesterday’s enemies can become today’s friends. Japan has become an ally of both the Philippines and the US, while China, which was part of the WWII allied forces, is now the clear aggressor.

But the Philippines is not beating the war drums. The Philippines is making increased security alliances, first with the US, then with Japan, and other Asian allies, to modernize the country’s defense sector and project a minimum deterrence.

And in saying that “we have and will continue to work with partners and the international community in building bridges, forging solutions, preserving our global commons,” Mr. Marcos’ overall message is still peace that can be achieved through diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation.

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For comments: mubac@inquirer.com.ph