PRESS RELEASE NO. 104-2024

9 September 2024, Honolulu –  Consul Pamela Durian-Bailon (second from left), Acting Head of Post, joined members of the consular corps in Hawaii for a visit to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) office in Honolulu last 6 September. Deputy Director for Operations Mr. John Figuerres (leftmost) briefed the group on DPAA’s crucial mission to locate, recover, and identify the remains of U.S. service members unaccounted for from past conflicts such as World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam Wars, and others. 

The DPAA collaborates closely with the Philippines on numerous recovery missions, particularly for WWII remains in various locations across the country.  This cooperation underscores the enduring alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines, which extends beyond current defense agreements to honoring the sacrifices of past conflicts. The partnership has been instrumental in providing closure to families of missing service members and preserving the shared history and values of both nations. (END)