MANILA, Philippines - The defense department is optimistic that the Philippines’ decision to pull out peacekeepers from Golan Heights and Liberia would not affect its relationship with the United Nations (UN).
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin noted that the Philippines maintained its peacekeeping team in Golan Heights when the conflict in Syria intensified last year.
“I don’t think so. When the conflict (in Syria) escalated, we stayed even if bigger countries decided to leave,” Gazmin told reporters Monday when asked whether the pullout would impact on the Philippines’ relationship with the UN.
“For now, the level of threat is high. We need to provide protection to every Filipino,” he added.
Gazmin said the Philippines remains open to sending peacekeepers to other mission areas.
“We are studying that. There will be a recommendation from the United Nations peacekeeping office and we will see where we can send troops,” he said.
Jaime delos Santos, chairman emeritus of the UN Veterans Association of the Philippines, admitted that the pullout could elicit negative reactions.
“Of course, there will be a few negative reaction because some may have other views. Our reputation might be affected. But we don’t regret it,” Delos Santos said.
“There might be an Ebola epidemic. Can you imagine if our soldiers get infected? The effect could be worse,” he added.
Delos Santos, nevertheless, said the Philippines can still make up for the pull out because there are other critical areas that might require peacekeeping efforts.
“Our troops are heroic. They serve unselfishly. They can project to the whole world their reputation as world-class peacekeepers and soldiers,” he added.
Last week, the Philippine government announced that it would be pulling out the Filipino peacekeepers deployed in Golan Heights and Liberia within the year.
The pullout was meant to ensure the safety of troops deployed in conflict-affected and disease-stricken areas.
The 331-strong Filipino contingent serving as part of the UN Disengagement Force in Golan Heights will be repatriated at the end of their tour of duty in October.
The Philippine team in Liberia composed of 115 soldiers will be repatriated as soon as possible because of the health risks posed by the Ebola virus outbreak in Africa. – with a report from Irene Bongcales