President Rodrigo Duterte has called on all nations to reject war and eliminate nuclear weapon, saying nuclear weapons will not make the world a freer, stronger, and more secure place.
In his message for the 75th anniversary of the destruction of Japanese city Hiroshima by a US atomic bomb, Duterte urged all countries to do everything to pave the path for peace.
“We must not forget: Nuclear weapons will not make us freer, stronger, nor more secure. We must not waver,” he said. “All nations must work together to eliminate nuclear weapons.”
“Seventy-five years ago, the world learned that the full power of nuclear weapons was finally unleashed on the people of Hiroshima. That defining moment in history documented and revealed in great detail came with grim suffering, crippling pain, and horrific tales. Today, we remember the lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: No goals, however lofty, can justify weapons that destroy with such unforgiving brutality,” he said.
“We must be firm. All nations must work together to eliminate nuclear weapons.”
An estimated 140,000 people in Hiroshima were killed after an uranium bomb was unleashed by the United States in the city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 in the final stages of World War II.
Three days later, a plutonium bomb was dropped on Nagasaki that left more than 70,000 people dead. In the following years, many survivors endured health ailments due to the radiation.
The President reminded nations to build, not destroy as he cited the country’s relations with Japan, particularly in advancing peace and progress.
“With our meaningful shared history, the Philippines and Japan have continued to do our utmost to fortify the foundations of peace, propel the course of progress and give full meaning to the promise of prosperity,” he said.
“Seventy-five years on, the Philippines stands shoulder to shoulder with Japan and all peace-loving countries of the world. We remain committed to this cause. We have learned from the lessons: In their relations with others, nations must build, never destroy,” he said.