Phl urged to retain peacekeepers in Golan Heights

MANILA, Philippines - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and US Secretary of State John Kerry, along with other diplomats, appealed to the Philippine government yesterday not to withdraw its peacekeeping force from the Golan Heights.

They said the withdrawal of the Philippine troops might create a vacuum that would lead to maximum volatility.

The Filipino contingent is supposed to end its mission on Aug. 3. But depending on the security report of the Philippine assessment team, the peacekeepers may extend their stay.

Among the factors being considered for the continued stay of Filipino peacekeepers in the Golan Heights are the safety and security of assigned locations and favorable rules of engagement to defend the troops from attacks.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario said on Monday that President Aquino has instructed him to see up to “what extent can we keep our peacekeepers.”

“If we can set conditions that will ensure the safety and security of our people, then we may consider staying beyond Aug. 3 and even add to the number of peacekeepers there,” Del Rosario said.

The Philippines contributes to eight UN Peacekeeping Missions throughout the world, with a total deployment of 843 personnel.

The country currently has 343 personnel at United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights and ranks as the 30th top contributor of police and troops to UN peacekeeping mission.

The UNDOF said the UN mission in the Golan Heights has made efforts to keep the mission operational and its peacekeepers safe.

Major Iqbal Singh Singha, UNDOF force commander, noted key challenges facing the mission in the Golan Heights where troops have come under fire, been kidnapped, hijacked, robbed of their weapons, and had their offices vandalized. Troop contributing countries such as Austria have pulled out their forces.

“We have continued to evolve and the mission continues to carry out its mandate in a modified manner,” he said, adding that the UN headquarters in New York is doing everything possible to keep the mission operational and its peacekeepers safe.