Filipino UNDOF exec's resignation done in protest, AFP confirms

MANILA, Philippines — The Filipino Chief of Staff of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) resigned in protest of his superior's order that could have endangered the lives of besieged Philippine peacekeepers at Golan Heights, the military said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. confirmed Tuesday in a state report that Col. Ezra James Enriquez stepped down from his UNDOF post in disagreement with Commander Lt. Gen. Iqbal Singha's call for peacekeepers to surrender their arms to Syrian rebels in a standoff over the weekend.

Enriquez filed an administrative leave Sunday until October, almost coinciding with the planned return home of the 331-strong Filipino contingent from the conflicted area.

Also read: UN official quits after Filipinos' Golan escape

Tutaan said that Singha ordered the 75 trapped peacekeepers in Position 68 and 69 to give up their weapons and raise the white flag after they were surrounded by the al-Qaeda linked armed men.

Singha's decision was deemed an attempt to have the 44 Fijian peacekeepers disarmed and captured by rebels freed.

Tutaan said that Enriquez kept the Philippine military abreast of the situation of the trapped troops until 40 managed to escape from the rebels at nighttime Sunday.

An Irish armored contingent, meanwhile, rescued the 35 Filipino peacekeepers in Position 69.

The peacekeepers are now safely stationed at Camp Faouar and Camp Ziuoani, while others are in Position 80.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said, meanwhile, that President Aquino instructed the military to prepare a detailed report on the recent standoff in Golan Heights. - Camille Diola