Japan’s Chargé d’Affaires Ono Sho joined Philippine officials and foreign diplomats in marking the 81st anniversary of the historic Leyte Gulf Landings, held from October 19 to 20, 2025, at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte.
The solemn ceremony, organized by Leyte governor Carlos Jericho Petilla and attended by Palo mayor Remedios Petilla and Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown, honored the pivotal World War II event that signaled the beginning of the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation.
In his remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Ono paid tribute to the fallen and acknowledged the enduring sacrifices of Filipino veterans. Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, he reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to peace and expressed hope for deepening Japan-Philippines ties, particularly as both nations prepare to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization in 2026.
Ono also paid a courtesy visit to Governor Petilla, where they discussed opportunities to enhance Japan-Philippines cooperation in Leyte.
