Lawmaker warns gov’t vs pulling out troops
MANILA, Philippines - A retired Armed Forces chief believes Filipino peacekeepers must not be pulled out despite escalating violence in the Golan Heights.
Speaking over dzBB radio, Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon said the United Nations prefer Filipino soldiers as peacekeepers because of their bravery and resourcefulness.
“If we pull out now, what will other countries, and the UN, say about us?” he asked. “Can they still depend on us to honor our international commitments when the UN and other nations seek our help?”
The House of representatives committee on national defense and security chairman said he will seek a probe into reports of the possible misuse of Filipino peacekeepers’ pay from the UN.
The UN pays peacekeepers $1,200 a month or about P50,000, regardless of rank, he added.
Biazon said he has been receiving reports that contrary to UN policy, Filipino military officers receive a higher pay than enlisted personnel assigned to international peacekeeping duties.
The UN payment is coursed through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which transmits the funds to the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces, Biazon said.
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