MANILA, Philippines—The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) is still in “continuous talks” with the Syrian rebels who abducted four Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights. Brigadier General Domingo Tutaan, spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, told reporters in a press briefing on Friday that the Philippine Battalion is closely coordinating with the UNDOF, but declined [...]
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said Friday that he has recommended to President Benigno Aquino III the pull out all Filipino UN peacekeepers from the Golan Heights following the abduction of four by Syrian rebels, the second such incident in two months.
Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said Friday he wanted all Filipino peacekeepers pulled out of the Golan Heights as soon as possible, following the abduction of four troops.
The Philippine military on Wednesday expressed optimism that the abduction of four United Nations peacekeepers in Syria will be “resolved without any untoward incident,” just the same as the incident in March.
The Philippines on Wednesday condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the abduction of four Filipino peacekeepers deployed in the Golan Heights under the United Nations Command and called for their immediate release.
Malacañang said on Sunday the possible return of United States military bases to the country as stated by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin was a “mere scenario in case of an extreme emergency” arising from the Korean crisis.
At least 50 representatives of government agencies in the Zamboanga peninsula and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have drafted an action plan to address the heavy influx of Filipino returnees from Sabah, Malaysia.
Should the ongoing conflict in Sabah be tackled by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission?
An estimated 100,000 Filipinos in Sabah are expected to flee to the Philippines by May, according to a government “worse case scenario” following an incursion by supporters of the sultan of Sulu in February and a subsequent crackdown by Malaysian forces in the area.
It continues to be “business as usual” in South Korea despite a declaration of war by North Korea, but the Philippines has readied a contingency plan for its nationals in case the situation worsens, according to the DFA.
President Benigno Aquino III’s decision to stay home this Holy Week will give him ample time to agonize over the wisdom of reviving the country’s claim to Sabah.
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said on Tuesday that she would designate a panel of prosecutors to re-investigate the case involving the 38 alleged members of the Sultanate of Sulu’s Royal Army Security Force who were intercepted by authorities off waters in Tawi-Tawi and who had allegedly taken part in the incursion in Sabah.
