Pinoy peacekeepers in Golan Heights receive UN medals

MANILA, Philippines - After three months of deployment in the Golan Heights under the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), members of the 5th Philippine Contingent were given UN Medals in recognition of their valuable service in the region.   

The awarding of medals is a token of appreciation from the UN for the contingent’s contribution to the maintenance of peace and security in the Golan Heights. 

The Philippine Contingent forms part of the peacekeeping force composed of troops from Austria, Canada, Croatia, India and Japan who have been tasked by the UN Security Council to maintain the ceasefire and supervise the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces in the so-called Areas of Separation and Limitation.

Together with his staff officers, Lt. Col. Ramon Estella, Commanding Officer of the Philippine Battalion, led his troops during the Medal Parade and the pinning of the medals.  

Philippine Ambassador to Israel Generoso D.G. Calonge and Maj. Gen. Natalio Ecarma III, Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNDOF, attended the ceremony last May 17 as special guests.

The respective contingent commanders of contributing states to UNDOF, liaison officers of the Israel Defense Force (IDF), and members of the Filipino Community in Israel were also present during the parade.

In his speech, Estella congratulated the recipients of the UN medal and rallied his men to continue displaying world-class professionalism at all times.  

Estella and his men began their mission in February 2012 and they are expected to finish their tour of duty by August 2012.

Calonge said that their assignment is a rare duty and distinct privilege accorded to a few who can withstand the rigors and responsibilities of an international peacekeeping mission. 

The ambassador reiterated that it is the pride and honor of the Philippines to join UN peacekeeping operations as it bolsters the country’s prestige in the international community. 

“Your presence here is a testament of our commitment to the UN as one of the founding nations of this international organization,” Calonge said.

Ecarma, the first Filipino general in UNDOF, reminded the contingent of its duty to protect the image of the Philippines since it represents the country.

Officials said the deployment of Philippine troops in the Golan, especially amid the so-called Arab spring, is a challenge and a test to their courage and endurance. The Philippines is not new in peacekeeping operations. Despite its limited resources, the Philippines steadfastly maintains its commitments to the UN as one of its founding members. 

 The country has sent peacekeeping troops since the 1950’s, particularly to Korea, Congo, Afghanistan, Burundi, Cambodia, Cote d’ Ivoire, Darfur, Georgia, Haiti, Iraq, Liberia, Kashmir, Kosovo, Nepal, Sudan and Timor Leste.