Gov't hopes for peaceful resolution to standoff in Golan

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government said today that it is working closely with the UN to ensure that the standoff between 75 Filipino peacekeepers and Syrian rebels in Golan Heights will be resolved peacefully.

While the situation was "tensed," Philippine officials said there was no immediate danger for the Filipino contingent in strife-torn Syria.

"It is our hope that the situation in Golan Heights will be resolved in a safe manner, in the soonest time possible," said Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.

Philippine military officials said Filipino UN peacekeepers continue to hold their ground after Syrian rebels surrounded their encampments and ordered them to surrender their firearms.

"Our soldiers are prepared, trained and capable of dealing with this situation and will take risks to fulfill our commitment to international security and peace," said Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Major General Domingo Tutaan.

"The peacekeeping contingent has the right to defend its position and the units in line with the UN protocols and rules of engagement (of UN peacekeeping)," added Tutaan.

Philippine officials said they are "positive" that the situation will de-escalate.

Prior to the standoff with Filipino peacekeepers, rebel forces had seized 43 Fijian peacekeepers following intense fighting between the rebels and the Syrian government which began on Thursday.

The Filipino UN peacekeepers are due to be pulled out in October due to the deteriorating security situation in strife-torn Syria.

In March last year, Syrian rebels abducted 21 Filipino peacekeepers. Two months later, four Filipino peacekeepers were also seized by the rebels. They were all released unharmed.