RP general assumes post as peacekeeping force head in Golan Heights

MANILA, Philippines - The first Filipino military general to be given a major command in the United Nations peacekeeping force has officially assumed command on Monday to oversee peacekeeping operations in the Golan Heights.

With his assumption as Head of Mission and Force Commander of UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights, Maj. Gen. Natalio Ecarma III becomes the first Filipino to head a UN peacekeeping mission observing the ceasefire between Syria and Israel at the border.

During turnover ceremonies held at Camp Faouar in Syria, Ecarma received the UN flag, trooped the line and facilitated the transfer of command of UNDOF from Maj. Gen. Wolfgang Jilke of Austria.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had named Ecarma to his new designation as UNDOF commander.

In January, the United Nations Security Council extended the mandate of UNDOF – established in May 1974 following the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces after the 1973 war – to run until June 30, 2010.

Ban voiced his gratitude to Jilke for his outstanding service and leadership of 1,040-strong force over the past three years.

Ecarma will bring extensive experience to his new UN command. He served as deputy commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps and concurrent commander of Marine Forces in southern Philippines.

Ecarma also served as combat and service support brigade commander and marine brigade commander.      – Pia Lee-Brago