Dawn broke over Manila as personnel from Australia, New Zealand and partner nations stood shoulder to shoulder with Philippine counterparts, marking Anzac Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honour those who served and sacrificed.

Commander of the Australian Contingent in the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan, Lieutenant Colonel Ben Woolmer, said marking Anzac Day while deployed overseas carried deep personal and professional meaning. 

“It’s a time to pause as a leader and reflect on the dedication of our soldiers, sailors and aviators, and the sacrifice of those who came before us,” Lieutenant Colonel Woolmer said.

The ceremony was led by Australian Assistant Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Noel Young, while the British School Manila Chamber Singers set a reflective tone.

Australian Defence Attaché Colonel Travis Day said commemorating Anzac Day overseas carried added significance.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to represent our nation on a day like Anzac Day,” Colonel Day said.

“The ability to commemorate such an important day in our nation’s history, while serving overseas is something I don’t take lightly.”

New Zealand ambassador to the Philippines Catherine McIntosh delivered the main address, followed by a reading of In Flanders Fields by Australian ambassador Marc Innes-Brown.

The Turkish ambassador, H.E. Niyazi Evren Akyol, read the Atatürk epilogue.

Wreaths were laid by Philippine Veterans Affairs office representative Pablo Lorenzo, alongside Australian, New Zealand and Turkish officials, before veterans, organisations and members of the public followed.

The Ode was recited by Australian Defence Force Warrant Officer Elizabeth Crean before the Last Post sounded, followed by two minutes of silence. Reveille was then played to close the ceremony.