Returning peacekeepers from Liberia to ‘reunite’ with families from a distance
MANILA, Philippines–Filipino peacekeepers in Liberia may have been declared “no risk” but the mandatory 21-day quarantine is still a go after their arrival on Wednesday.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Catapang Jr. asked for understanding of the loved ones of the peacekeepers on their extended absence.
“To the family members of our gallant peacekeepers, I would like to ask your patience for extending the absence of your loved ones. I have done everything to make their stay at the island paradise of Caballo, a very pleasant and memorable one,” he told reporters on Monday.
The 108 peacekeepers from AFP returning on Wednesday all passed the Ebola screening conducted by the United Nations. The procedure is a requirement for the peacekeepers before returning to their home countries.
The soldiers will be kept in Caballo Island known as the Philippine Navy’s Fort Hughes, located near Corregidor. They will be transported via sea vessel in Sangley Point after their arrival in Villamor Airbase. They are scheduled to arrive at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday via UTAir from Monrovia in Liberia.
There will be 133 peacekeepers from the AFP, Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology coming home on Wednesday. They stayed in Liberia for almost a year.
Catapang said a second contingent will come home after a few days.
According to the World Health Organization, the deadly Ebola virus has killed close to 5,000 people since December last year, and Liberia is one of the countries in West Africa affected by it.
‘From a distance’
Peacekeepers will have the opportunity to see their loved ones on Wednesday but only from a distance.
“They will have a chance (to see their families). We will set up the Villamor Airbase sa Grandstand. Unfortunately, we placed a cordon. The minimum is actually 15 meters but it’s more than enough space where they can see, smile and wave to their loved ones. Wala munang touching (physical touch is not yet allowed),” Air Force spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Canaya told reporters.
The families have also been briefed by the Peacekeeping Operations Center on what to expect on the arrival.
“We are finalizing all the preparations from the smallest detail—like how they will wash their clothes, their meals and their daily schedule for the next 21 days and the actions to be undertaken should there be any problems that arise,” said military spokesperson Major General Domingo Tutaan.
“We even thought of having sports activities for them like chess but not contact sports,” he also said.
Ebola is spread through bodily fluids.
Smart and Globe communications have also expanded their network coverage in the island in order to provide better network coverage.
Families could also send packages to their loved ones in Caballo Island that would be sent to them via airdrop.
“All these necessary measures are within the protocols. Hindi iyan ginagawa dahil sila ay infected. Kaya ‘yan ginagawa (We are not doing that because they are infected. The reason why we are doing that) is to assure the public that we are doing everything possible in order to make sure the country is Ebola-free,” Tutaan said.
The peacekeepers will be given a heroes’ welcome after the quarantine period.
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