PH extends stay of Golan peacekeepers

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

The Philippines 'is prepared' to keep its troops in Golan Heights, subject to certain conditions

EXTENDED STAY. The President decides to keep Filipino troops in Golan Heights until August 11. File photo courtesy of Elmer Cato

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines on Friday, July 5, decided to extend the stay of Filipino peacekeepers in conflict-stricken Golan Heights, and said it is willing to keep them there depending on certain conditions.

“The President has agreed to continue with the deployment of our 340 contingents until August 11, at which time the rotational process will be determined,” Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a statement released by Malacañang.

This is an 8-day extension, after the Philippines initially committed to maintain its peacekeepers there only until August 3.

President Benigno Aquino III also said the Philippines “is prepared to continue” its participation in the United Nations peacekeeping force, Del Rosario said.

That is, “subject to meeting considerations which the Philippines has made to enhance the security and safety of our peacekeepers.”

Del Rosario did not detail these considerations in his 3-sentence statement, but suggested Aquino based these on the recommendations of an assessment team.

UN PEACEKEEPERS. Rebels have targeted the UN peacekeeping force in recent months. File photo

Withdrawal unless…

Earlier, Aquino threatened to withdraw Philippine troops from the UN peacekeeping force in Golan Heights unless they receive anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, as well as protection against chemical arms.

Japan and Croatia had withdrawn their troops from the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) because of increasing violence from the Syrian civil war. 

The peacekeeping force was left with only over 500 Filipino and Indian troops. While aware it was a “dangerous” mission, Fiji also committed to boost the peacekeeping force.

US Secretary of State John Kerry, for his part, has appealed to the Philippines not to withdraw its peacekeepers from there, even as most of their counterparts from other countries have left.

The UNDOF has monitored the Syrian side of the armistice line since 1974, even as Syrian rebels have targeted peacekeepers in recent months.

One of the biggest incidents involving Filipino peacekeepers happened in March, when rebels kidnapped 21 of them. On June 6, a Filipino peacekeeper was wounded, prompting the Philippine government to reconsider its troops’ presence in Golan Heights. – Rappler.com 

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!
Avatar photo

author

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

Paterno R. Esmaquel II, news editor of Rappler, specializes in covering religion and foreign affairs. He finished MA Journalism in Ateneo and MSc Asian Studies (Religions in Plural Societies) at RSIS, Singapore. For story ideas or feedback, email pat.esmaquel@rappler.com