MANILA, Philippines — Cuban Ambassador Juan Carlos Arencibia Corrales has extended his country's appreciation for the mutual support and cooperation it received from the Philippines in various international forums and multilateral institutions, despite what he described as the "international misinformation and black propaganda campaign against Cuba led by the Western media."

"Over the years, Cuba has always received the consistent support of the Philippine government and its people in the struggle against the blockade imposed by the United States," Corrales said in his speech during a reception held recently at the Cuban Embassy in Makati City to mark the 53rd anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.

According to the Cuban envoy, the "organizations of friendship and solidarity with Cuba existing in the Philippines" have played an important role in promoting better knowledge and understanding of the current situation in Cuba.

"They have also played a key role in the promotion of the international campaign for the freedom of the five Cuban anti-terrorist heroes who are unjustly imprisoned in the United States," he said.

The so-called Cuban Five are Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando Gonzalez and Rene Gonzalez. They are serving four life sentences and 75 years collectively after being convicted by a US federal court in Miami on June 8, 2001, for committing espionage conspiracy against the US, and other related charges.

The five Cubans pointed out vigorously in their defense that they were involved in monitoring the actions of Miami-based terrorist groups to prevent terrorist attacks on their country.

"Cuba cherishes the excellent relations and fraternal bonds of friendship that exist between the governments and peoples of our two countries," said Corrales. "I, therefore, wish to assure you of my personal commitment to work closely with the Philippine government towards nurturing and strengthening these relations for the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples."

According to him, Cuba and the Philippines have long enjoyed excellent bilateral links.

Last July, the Philippines and Cuba celebrated the 65th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations which, Corrales stressed, contributed a lot to better understanding and mutual support between both government and people.