On November 12, 2024, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. met with a delegation from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and the Japanese Embassy at the Mayor’s Office. The meeting was convened to discuss the Japanese government’s plan to conduct a fact-finding mission aimed at locating and repatriating the remains of Japanese soldiers who died in the Philippines during World War II.
The Japanese delegation sought the cooperation of the Angeles City Government to assist in their efforts. They specifically requested support in identifying locations and providing local insights into the potential burial sites of these soldiers. The mission will involve gathering crucial information through interviews with residents and local officials, particularly in Barangays Cutcut and Anunas, which are areas of interest in their search.
Mayor Lazatin, along with key members of the City Health Office, participated in the meeting, offering the city’s support in facilitating the fact-finding mission. The cooperation from the local government was seen as vital for the success of the mission, which aims to ensure the respectful recovery and repatriation of the remains of Japanese soldiers from the region.
The Japanese delegation’s mission, which also involves conducting interviews with community members, aims to piece together information that could help identify the final resting places of these soldiers. The delegation expressed their appreciation for the cooperation of local authorities in making the process smoother and more efficient.
In addition to Mayor Lazatin, the meeting was also attended by representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which played a key role in coordinating the logistical aspects of the meeting. The collaboration between the different government bodies highlights the importance of inter-agency support when dealing with international matters and historical issues such as the repatriation of war remains.
This fact-finding mission is part of Japan’s broader efforts to bring closure to the families of the soldiers and address historical ties between the Philippines and Japan. The repatriation of war remains is a sensitive and significant endeavor that requires careful handling and respect for both the fallen soldiers and the local communities involved.
In the coming weeks, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, along with the Japanese Embassy, is expected to begin conducting interviews in the identified barangays. The support of the Angeles City Government and its agencies will be essential in ensuring the smooth execution of the mission and helping to honor the memory of those who served during the war.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
