Philippines cites peacekeepers' professionalism before UN

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines praised its peacekeepers in Golan Heights before the United Nations assembly in New York despite a recent controversy that put them at odds with some UN officials.

In a speech Monday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Philippine contingent "helped to safeguard world peace" in the face of grave danger as the conflict with Syrian rebels linked with al-Qaeda ensues.

"They have served with honor, distinction and professionalism in implementing peacekeeping mandates," Del Rosario said.

The statement came following the UN Disengagement Observer Force's (UNDOF) commander Lt. Gen. Iqbal Singh Singha's criticism of the defiance of 40 trapped Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights as "non-professional" and an "act of cowardice."

The UN hierarchy, through Undersecretary for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous, also issued a denial that the besieged Filipinos were ordered to surrender their arms to rebels.

In previous weeks, Filipino peacekeepers from Golan Heights arrived home earlier than scheduled due to deteriorating security conditions.

Del Rosario, nevertheless, thanked the UNDOF for its "invaluable assistance" in the "recent incidents" involving Filipino troops.

"Our collective action highlighted the importance that the international community continues to accord to UN peacekeeping," he said.

He also expressed deep concern over the "continuing and emerging dangers" faced by all UN peacekeepers.

"We believe that outstanding operational and tactical issues relating to United Nations peacekeeping must be resolved at the highest levels as soon as possible," Del Rosario said.

Besides the trapped Filipino soldiers, 45 Fijian peacekeepers were held for two weeks by fighters from the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front.