Phl to send new batch of peacekeepers to Golan

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will send another peacekeeping contingent to Golan Heights in December despite the recent violent incidents in the disputed area.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the United Nations (UN) has agreed to enhance protective measures aimed at ensuring the safety of Filipino peacekeepers.

He said these measures include the filling in of the full strength of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which consists of 1,250 soldiers.

“We also asked them to give additional protection to our troops like equipment for chemical warfare. These have been addressed,” Gazmin said.

Defense Assistant Secretary Raymond Quilop said another condition that the government had sought was the conduct of regular assessment of the security situation in Golan Heights.

“For example, within the next six months, if the situation deteriorates, there is a possibility of a pullout. But if it turned out to be okay, the rotation (of troops) will continue,” Quilop said.

The Philippines has been sending peacekeeping troops to Golan Heights since 2009 as part of its commitment to maintain global peace. The area has been the subject of a territorial dispute between Israel and Syria.

Members of the 6th Philippine Contingent, the current team in the volatile area, has weathered risks during their tour of duty including abductions by Syrian rebels and clashes between armed groups.

The first abduction happened last March, when 21 Filipino soldiers were seized in a ceasefire zone between Syria and Israel. Four peacekeepers were also kidnapped in the same area last May 7.

All the 25 peacekeepers were released by their captors but the kidnappings have raised concerns among countries deploying peacekeepers to the United Nations.

In June, a member of the same contingent was injured after a mortar round believed to have been fired by Syrian rebels landed inside Camp Ziouni, a UN logistics headquarters in Golan Heights.

These incidents had prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs to recommend a pullout of Filipino peacekeepers in the area.

The Philippine government however, agreed to continue sending forces to Golan Heights after the UN had promised to step up measures to ensure their safety.

The 6th Philippine contingent to Golan Heights consists of 48 officers and 285 enlisted personnel. The team is expected to return to the Philippines in December and will be succeeded by the 7th contingent.

The 6th contingent led by Lt. Col. Nolie Anquillano left the Philippines in three batches November last year. Their tour of duty has been extended amid the recent violent incidents in the Israeli-Syrian border. 

Quilop said about 330 soldiers would constitute the 7th contingent to Golan Heights.

“They went through a screening process and they got selected,” the defense official said.

“We could call it the positive attitude of the soldiers in spite of the risk. Their life as a soldier is risky enough, so it’s part and parcel of their life so it’s nothing new to them,” he added.