DND open to redeploying peacekeepers in Liberia

MANILA, Philippines - The defense department is open to redeploying Filipino peacekeepers in the Golan Heights and Liberia if the situation in those areas improves.

Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Peter Galvez said the Philippines remains committed to help the United Nations in peacekeeping efforts despite its recent decision to pull out troops.

“In the event that the situation improves and we are requested to contribute again, it will undergo assessment,” Galvez said in an interview yesterday.

“If the conditions are within our parameters to secure and the risks are not that high, then we can recommend the possible redeployment of peacekeepers to the President,” he added.

Last Saturday, the DND announced that it will pull out Filipino peacekeepers deployed in Golan Heights and Liberia within the year. Officials said the decision was meant to ensure the safety of military troops in conflict-affected and disease-stricken areas.

Golan Heights is the subject of a dispute between Israel and Syria. The situation in the area remains volatile because of the Syrian civil war, which has left more than 191,000 persons dead.

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 contingent in Liberia, on the other hand, is composed of 115 soldiers who will be repatriated “as soon as possible” because of the rising health risk posed by the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa.

Repatriation of workers

The Department of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, is preparing for the repatriation of Filipino workers in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone due to the deadly Ebola virus sweeping the African continent, DFA spokesman Charles Jose said.

According to the World Health Organization, the Ebola virus death toll in West Africa rose to 1,350 as of last Wednesday.

Currently, there are 880 Filipinos in Guinea, 632 in Liberia and 1,979 in Sierra Leone.

The Department of Labor and Employment yesterday expressed readiness to deploy additional personnel to assist in the mandatory repatriation of Filipino workers from Ebola-affected countries.

“If ask to join the rapid response team, we will deploy personnel,” Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said. – With Helen Flores, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Mayen Jaymalin