MANILA, Philippines - It was the Army’s turn yesterday to honor the 344 Filipino peacekeepers that figured in a standoff with Syrian rebels in the Golan Heights in the Israeli-Syrian border last August.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri awarded the Sagisag ng Ulirang Kawal (symbol of a model soldier) medals to the peacekeepers for their efforts to maintain stability in the Golan.
The medal is awarded to soldiers who distinguished themselves in the performance of non-military activities, community development programs and other related activities.
“Assaulted but never bewildered, you stood your ground. Besieged but never helpless, you fought your way to victory. Homesick but never hopeless, you made your country truly proud,” Iriberri told the peacekeepers at Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Makati.
“Your actions, your courage stand for the excellence that makes our army a truly formidable force,” he added.
Syrian rebels had surrounded members of the 7th Philippine contingent in Golan Heights last August after the troops refused to surrender their firearms.
Irish UN peacekeepers later rescued the group of Filipino soldiers after a two-day standoff.
Other Filipino peacekeepers escaped from their camp that was under siege by the rebels.
The all-Army contingent led by UN Disengagement Observer Force Chief of Staff Col. Ezra Enriquez and its commander Lt. Col. Ted Dumusmog were given a heroes’ welcome last Wednesday in Malacañang and at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Gold Cross Medals were awarded to eight officers and enlisted personnel stationed at Position 68, the area attacked by Syrian rebels.
Bronze Cross Medals were also awarded to three contingent members for the services they rendered as members of the Rapid Reaction Group during the standoff.
Military Merit Medals in different degrees were also awarded to 174 officers and enlisted personnel for their efforts that contributed to the successful resolution of the crisis.
All members of the peacekeeping team were also awarded with the UN Service Medals for completing their tour of duty.