Peacekeepers discharged, cleared of Ebola virus

MANILA, Philippines - Military peacekeepers from Ebola-stricken Liberia were discharged yesterday from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in Quezon City after they were cleared of disease.

AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the troops that were part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia completed the routine medical screening at around 3 a.m. and were discharged from the military hospital at 6 a.m.

The medical screening is a standard operating procedure for all peacekeepers deployed overseas.

The peacekeepers were then brought to the Peacekeeping Operations Center in Camp Aguinaldo to allow them to rest.

“We are very happy that finally, our peacekeepers have completed the quarantine and required medical screening procedures,” Cabunoc said in a press conference.

“They are now ready to meet their family members and mingle with the armed forces personnel during the heroes’ welcome to be held at 4:30 p.m. today,” he added.

As of yesterday, only 107 of the 108 military peacekeepers were pronounced physically fit to attend the heroes’ welcome.

The peacekeeper suffering from chest pains might remain in hospital as doctors have not issued him clearance to join the event.

“We’re not yet sure if the peacekeeper who was brought to AFP Medical Center due to chest pain would be able to participate in the heroes’ welcome. He’s still confined and is under observation,” Cabunoc said.

The 133 members of the 18th Philippine Contingent to Liberia underwent 21-day quarantine in Caballo Island upon their arrival in the country last month. Of the 133 peacekeepers, 108 are soldiers while the rest are policemen and jail management personnel.

The peacekeepers left Caballo Island last Tuesday noon after completing the 21-day quarantine.

They were brought to Sangley Point on board the Navy ship BRP Dagupan City before being transported to the AFP Medical Center.

The peacekeepers were seen practicing for the heroes’ welcome at the Camp Aguinaldo Grandstand yesterday afternoon.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr., key military officials and the families of peacekeepers would attend the event.

Members of the peacekeeping contingent will receive UN Service Medals during the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Cabunoc said the four military peacekeepers still under quarantine at the AFP Medical Center are in good condition.

“The four peacekeepers… are happy just like the other peacekeepers and they are doing well,” he added.

The four arrived from Liberia last Nov. 22 or 10 days after the arrival of the other peacekeepers because they were ordered to watch over the team’s equipment.