AFP chief commends RP peacekeepers in Haiti rescue

MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Alexander Yano yesterday commended members of the Philippine peacekeeping contingent to Haiti who rescued people who were trapped and buried after a building of the La Promesse School in the outskirts of Port-au-Prince collapsed Friday morning.

Yano said in a statement that he recognizes the selfless dedication of the soldiers to help the victims of the tragedy, adding that what the soldiers did was beyond the call of duty.

“It is my honor to recognize you for your selfless dedication to help the victims buried in rubble in Haiti. Your efforts are incomparable. Your sacrifices are priceless,” he said.

Yano said the AFP and the entire Filipino nation takes pride in the peacekeepers being sent to other parts of the world as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission.

“I encourage you to epitomize our core values in achieving global peace and unity. Once again I sincerely commend you for a job well done and I assure you of my full support for every mission you aim to fulfill,” the AFP chief said.

The accident left at least 30 people dead and an undetermined number injured.

The Filipino soldiers who were among those first to respond to the incident are members of the 8th delegation to Haiti, composed of 155 troopers, and led by Lt. Col. Raymundo Elefante.

The Philippines, as part of its commitment to UN peacekeeping efforts, has been sending troops to Haiti since 2004.