PNoy fails to attend Leyte rites

CEBU, Philippines – President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino lll failed to attend as keynote speaker for the 71st Leyte Landing Anniversary celebration yesterday at Palo, Leyte, which carried the theme: “Liberation: A Paradigm for a Renewed Leyte.”

Leyte Vice-Governor Carlo Loreto said the president was unable to come to Leyte due to an emergency situation in northern Luzon, brought about by typhoon Lando.

Some foreign dignitaries and Philippine officials however joined the ceremonies commemorating the day when United States General Douglas MacArthur made good of his “I shall return” promise, heralding the liberation of the country from Japanese invaders and subsequent end of World War II.

Those who attended the annual rites were Australia Ambassador Bill Tweddell, Japan Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Minister Tetsuro Amano, US Embassy Veterans Sevice Center head Glenda Taylor, US Marine Attache Mark Broekhuizen, United Kingdom Trade and Investment Director Lain Mansfield, and Philippine Veterans Office Administrator Lieutenant General Ernesto Gonzalo Carolina.

Loreto said the number of veterans in this year’s event had decreased to only about 200, lower than last year’s, because others could no longer come due to their age. (FREEMAN)