AFP contingent to Golan Heights recognized in rites

Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Noel Coballes awards the United Nations Service Medal to the members of the contingent represented by its leader Colonel Ramon Estella. PHOTO COURTESY OF AFP PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE/ SSG GILDO CABALO

MANILA, Philippines—The 346-strong 5th Philippine contingent to Golan Heights, which came home recently from a nine-month mission, was given recognition by the Armed Forces of the Philippines  in rites held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City Tuesday.

Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Noel Coballes awarded the United Nations Service Medal to the members of the contingent for successfully accomplishing all the tasks assigned to them in fulfilment of their UN mandate.

The contingent, led by Colonel Ramon Estella, left the country in two batches in February. They served in UN peacekeeping operations including manning and patrolling the border areas of Israel and Syria, and keeping close contact with the host nations. The contingent also ensured the safety of the local inhabitants.

“Deployment of the Filipino troops in the Golan Heights amid the events last year, generally referred to as the 2011 Arab Spring, presents a challenge to the courage and fortitude of our men and women, but I am proud to say that our contingents have maintained the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in taking on the tasks and responsibility in this important area,” Coballes said.