Korean military extending Tacloban stay for a year

MANILA, Philippines - The South Korean military contingent sent to assist in the rehabilitation efforts for victims of Supertyphoon Yolanda in Tacloban is in no rush to return home.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command spokesman Lt. Jim Alagao said on Wednesday through a state news agency that the Korean servicemen will continue helping in the stabilization and rehabilitation efforts for one year.

The group was originally deployed to the Philippines last December to stay for only six months.

Alagao said that the Korean military also brought with them medical supplies, sanitation and engineering units. The country is also sending 229 Korean military doctors to attend to the victims.

The South Korean embassy in Manila said last December that about 500 members of the South Korean Armed Forces would be taking part in the mission, particularly in Tanauan and other towns in the vicinity of Tacloban City.

"The deployment of troops reflects the gratitude of the Korean people to the Filipinos who fought with them during the Korean War, and their optimism about the future of Tacloban. We hope that their work will bring the people of the two countries closer to each other," the embassy said.

The contingent headed by Col. Chuw Lon Lee also has units in Palo and other Leyte towns.

The Tacloban group arrived last December 27 aboard two South Korean Navy landing tanks.