PNP to honor 24 quarantined UN peacekeepers

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) will honor today the 24 policemen who served in the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) after their 21-day quarantine period on Caballo Island.

The policemen who have served in UN peacekeeping operations in Ebola-stricken Liberia will be awarded letters of commendation, UN Service Medal and Glock 9mm pistol.

The ceremony will be witnessed by their families and other police officers.

The first batch of the 133 peacekeepers from the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology arrived last November 12 from the mission were immediately brought to Caballo Island for a three-week quarantine.

"Since 1992, the PNP has been sending its peacekeeping contingents to UN peacekeeping operations and missions, first in Cambodia and subsequently in other countries torn by conflict to provide services and assistance," PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said.