First batch of PH peacekeepers completes Ebola quarantine

MANILA, Philippines – The first batch of 133 Filipino peacekeepers on Tuesday, December 2, completed their 21-day quarantine and left Caballo Island for Manila, the military said. 

“At about 12 noon today, they boarded the Philippine Navy ships that would bring them to Sangley Point in Cavite. They will be transported by military buses to the AFP Medical Center for the routine medical screening for returning peacekeepers who were deployed in Africa,” said military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc. 

The peacekeepers deployed in Ebola-affected Liberia cleared Ebola tests before coming home last month. The quarantine in Caballo Island was an additional precautionary measure taken by the Philippine government. 

There were two scares after they arrived – one who developed fever tested positive for Malaria, while the second who had hypertension remains in the hospital. 

The military will hold a belated Heroes Welcome for the peacekeepers on Thursday, December 4. Armed Forces Chief General Gregorio Catapang will lead the ceremony. 

“I am very happy that the peacekeepers have successfully finished the quarantine without any untoward incident. I am commending them for their self-sacrifices to make our country Ebola virus-free,” Catapang said. 

The peacekeepers will also be awarded the UN Service Medal. – Rappler.com