Peacekeepers discharged from AFP Medical Center

MANILA, Philippines - Military peacekeepers from Ebola-stricken Liberia were discharged on Wednesday from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center after they were declared clear of any disease.

AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the peacekeepers completed the routine medical screening at around 3 a.m. and were discharged from the military hospital at around 6 a.m.

The medical screening is a standard operating procedure for all peacekeepers deployed overseas.

The peacekeepers were then brought to the Peacekeeping Operations Center in Camp Aguinaldo to allow them to rest.

“We are very happy that finally, our peacekeepers have completed the quarantine and required medical screening procedures,” Cabunoc said in a press conference.

“They are now ready to meet their family members and mingle with the armed forces personnel during the heroes’ welcome to be held at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow (December 4),” he added.

As of Wednesday, only 107 of the 108 military peacekeepers are physically fit to attend the heroes’ welcome. The peacekeeper who is suffering from chest pain may remain at the hospital as doctors have not issued a clearance that will allow him to join the event.

“We’re not yet sure if the peacekeeper who was brought to AFP Medical Center due to chest pain would be able to participate in the heroes’ welcome. He’s still confined and is under observation,” Cabunoc said.

The 133 members of the 18th Philippine Contingent to Liberia underwent 21-day quarantine in Caballo Island upon their arrival to the country last month. Of the 133 peacekeepers, 108 are soldiers while the rest are policemen and jail management personnel.

The peacekeepers left Caballo Island Tuesday noon after completing the 21-day quarantine period. They were brought to Sangley Point via Navy ship BRP Dagupan City before they were transported to the AFP Medical Center.

The peacekeepers were seen practicing for the heroes’ welcome at the Camp Aguinaldo Grandstand Wednesday afternoon.

The event will be witnessed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr., key military officials and the families of peacekeepers.

Members of the peacekeeping contingent will receive United Nations Service Medals during the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Cabunoc said the four military peacekeepers who are still under quarantine at the AFP Medical Center are in good condition.

“The four peacekeepers still undergoing quarantine are happy just like the other peacekeepers and they are doing well,” he added.

The four arrived from Liberia last November 22, about 10 days after the arrival of the other peacekeepers because they were ordered to watch over the team’s equipment.