SafekipediaPhilippines–South Vietnam relations
Adapted from Wikipedia · Adventurer experience
The Philippines–South Vietnam relations refers to the connections between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Vietnam, which no longer exists. During a difficult time called the Vietnam War, the Philippines supported South Vietnam. The Philippines helped by giving aid and showing friendship and support during a challenging period. These relations were important for both countries as they worked together during a time of conflict.
History
The people of the Philippines and Vietnam traded by sea long ago. After both countries became independent, the Philippines made official contact with South Vietnam in 1954. In 1955, the Philippines recognized South Vietnam. In 1959, the Philippines signed a Treaty of Friendship with South Vietnam.
Philippine involvement in the Vietnam War
Some Filipino medics went to South Vietnam to help during the Vietnam War starting in 1954. This effort was called Operation Brotherhood and had support from many countries.
In 1964, South Vietnam asked the Philippines for help. In 1965, the first group of Filipinos arrived. They were doctors, nurses, and other helpers. By 1966, the Philippines had over 2,000 people in South Vietnam. The Philippines started bringing its troops home in 1969, and by 1973, all had returned. Official ties with Vietnam began again in 1976.
Rescue of USS Kirk-escorted refugee
In 1975, the Philippines helped 30,000 Vietnamese refugees on ships from the South Vietnamese Navy escorted by the USS Kirk. The Philippine government agreed to help after the United States changed the flags on the ships. These ships later became part of the Philippine Navy.
| Name | Type | Acquired by South Vietnam | Formerly | Recommissioned by the Philippines as |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RVNS Trần Hưng Đạo (HQ-1) | Destroyer | 13 February 1971 | USS Camp (DE-251) | BRP Rajah Lakandula (PF-4). |
| RVNS Trần Quang Khải (HQ-02) | Frigate | 1 January 1971 | USCGC Bering Strait (WAVP-382) | BRP Diego Silang (PF-9). |
| RVNS Trần Bình Trọng (HQ-05) | Frigate | 21 December 1971 | USCGC Castle Rock (WAVP-383) | BRP Francisco Dagohoy (PF-10). |
| RVNS Lý Thường Kiệt (HQ-16) | Frigate | 21 June 1972 | USCGC Chincoteague (WAVP-375) | BRP Andrés Bonifacio (PF-7). |
| RVNS Ngô Quyền (HQ-17) | Frigate | 21 June 1972 | USCGC McCulloch (WAVP-386) | BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-8). |
| RVNS Đống Đa II (HQ-07) | Patrol craft escort | 29 November 1961 | USS Crestview (PCE-895) | BRP Sultan Kudarat (PS-22). |
| RVNS Ngọc Hồi (HQ-12) | Patrol craft escort | 11 July 1966 | USS Brattleboro (PCE(R)-852) | BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19). |
| RVNS Van Kiếp II (HQ-14) | Patrol craft escort | 1970 | USS Amherst (PCE(R)-853) | BRP Datu Marikudo (PS-23). |
| RVNS Chi Lăng II (HQ-08) | Fleet minesweeper | 17 April 1962 | USS Gayety (AM-239) | BRP Magat Salamat (PS-20). |
| RVNS Chí Linh (HQ-11) | Fleet minesweeper | 24 January 1964 | USS Shelter (AM-301) | BRP Datu Tupas (PS-18). |
| RVNS Đoàn Ngọc Tang (HQ-228) | Landing Ship Support Large | 15 September 1956 | USS LSSL-9 | BRP La Union (LF-50). |
| RVNS Nguyễn Ngọc Long (HQ-230) | Landing Ship Support Large | ? | USS LSSL-96 | BRP Sulu (LF-49). |
| RVNS Nguyễn Đức Bóng (HQ-231) | Landing Ship Support Large | 19 February 1966 | USS LSSL-129 | BRP Camarines Sur (LF-48). |
| RVNS Hát Giang (HQ-400) | Landing Ship Medium - Hospital | Unknown | USS LSM-335 | BRP Western Samar (LP-66). |
| RVNS Hương Giang (HQ-404) | Landing Ship Medium | 1 August 1961 | USS Oceanside (LSM-175) | BRP Batanes (LP-65). |
| RVNS Cam Ranh (HQ-500) | Landing Ship Tank | 12 April 1962 | USS Marion County (LST-975) | BRP Zamboanga Del Sur (LT-86). |
| RVNS Thị Nại (HQ-502) | Landing Ship Tank | 17 December 1963 | USS Cayuga County (LST-529) | BRP Cotabato Del Sur (LT-87). |
| RVNS Nha Trang (HQ-505) | Landing Ship Tank | April 1970 | USS Jerome County (LST-848) | BRP Agusan Del Sur (LT-54). |
| RVNS Hòn Trọc (HQ-618) | Patrol Gunboat Medium | ? | PGM-83 | BRP Basilan (PG-60). |
| RVNS My Tho (HQ-800) | Patrol Craft Tender | 12 October 1970 | USS Harnett County (LST-821) | BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57). |
| RVNS Can Tho (HQ-801) | Patrol Craft Tender | 23 April 1971 | USS Garrett County (LST-786) | BRP Kalinga Apayao (LT-516) |
| RVNS Vinh Long (HQ-802) | Landing Craft Repair Ship | 30 September 1971 | USS Satyr (ARL-23) | BRP Yakal (AR-617). |
Economic relations
Filipino businessmen helped South Vietnam during the war. Many Filipino workers went there to find jobs. Some worked for American companies, and others found jobs in places where American soldiers visited.
Diplomatic mission and visits
In October 1955, the Philippines opened an office in Saigon. On December 1, the office became permanent at 1 Rue Aux Fluera, led by Amb. Mariano Espeleta. South Vietnam also opened an embassy in Manila with Chief Minister Cao Thai Bao in charge.
South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem visited the Philippines in the late 1950s. Philippine President Carlos P. Garcia visited South Vietnam from April 22 to 26, 1959.
By early 1975, the Philippine Embassy had only a few workers. The embassy closed on April 29, 1975, the day before Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese forces. Amb. Agustin Mangila and his two remaining staff members were evacuated during Operation Frequent Wind.
Territorial dispute
South Vietnam and the Philippines both wanted the Spratly Islands. Even though they were friends during the Vietnam War, South Vietnam took control of Southwest Cay in 1975. Filipino soldiers had left the island for a celebration and could not return because of a storm. During this time, South Vietnam took control of the island. Later, when South Vietnam no longer existed, Vietnamese forces took over the island.
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