Cops back from Liberia Ebola-free honored

MANILA, Philippines—Five policemen belonging to the 29-man Philippine National Police (PNP) delegation to the peacekeeping mission in Liberia last year were honored on Monday for their dedication to their mission in the face of the deadly Ebola outbreak.

The policemen, the last to complete the 21-day quarantine at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center, received letters of commendation, United Nations service medals and “Medalya ng Papuri” for their sacrifice and courage.

PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, who arrived from Liberia early this month, led the awarding ceremony.

The awardees were Senior Supt. Cesar Binag, deputy commissioner of the United Nations Mission in Liberia; Supt. Eduardo Abaday, Supt. Nixon Cayaban, Chief Insp. Emmanuel Caquilala and SPO3 Khynnimer Absari.

The Philippines sent 133 peacekeepers from the AFP and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to Liberia.

They were repatriated ahead of schedule following the Ebola virus outbreak in the West African nation.

The first batch of 24 peacekeepers arrived in November and was quarantined for 21 days on Caballo Island on Manila Bay. They were honored by the PNP earlier this month.

“These police peacekeepers are the new heroes of the country for their sacrifice and dedication,” Espina said.

The PNP has been sending contingents to UN peacekeeping missions since 1992, first in Cambodia, and then to other countries also torn by conflict.