The PEFTOK

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

The PEFTOK or the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea was realized after President Elpidio R. Quirino signed the "Philippine Military Aid Act" or Republic Act 573 on September 7, 1950. The Act made it possible for the Philippines to send Philippine Army troops to South Korea. 

On June 25, 1970, the Korean People’s Army (KPA) of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) attacked the Republic of Korea (South Korea). 

Immediately, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution that condemned the attack as a breach of peace and insisted that the DPRK “withdraw forthwith north of the 38th parallel.” 

On June 27, 1950, another resolution was passed and called upon member nations to assist in repelling the North Korean aggressors. 

The two UN Resolutions became the legal basis of the UN intervention in the Korean War. As a response to the UN resolutions, Pres. Quirino stated that the Philippines was sending the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) in fulfillment of the country’s obligation as a co-signer of the United Nations Charter. 

Five Philippine Battalion Combat Teams (BCTs) known were sent with a total of 7,420 Filipino officers and men. They served under the United Nations Command (UNC) in Korea from 1950-1955. 

The PEFTOK was the fifth largest force under the UN Command and took part in the Battle of Miudong (which was the first battle won by Filipino soldiers in a foreign soil), Battle of Yultong and the Battle of Hill Eerie. 

There were 116 killed in action, 299 wounded and 57 missing (41 repatriated during POW exchanges). The last of the Philippine troops left Korea on May 13, 1955. Former president Fidel V. Ramos was one of those who served in the PEFTOK.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: wikipedia.org and PEFTOK Heroes Hall