Palace hopes for end to Golan Heights standoff, lauds ‘courage of Filipino spirit’

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Friday is hoping for a swift resolution to the standoff between the 75 Filipino peacekeepers and the Syrian rebels at Golan Heights but at the same time has recognized the “courage of the Filipino spirit”.

“We continue to monitor the situation in the Golan Heights, especially the developments concerning the Filipino peacekeepers. It is our hope that this matter will be resolved in a safe manner in the soonest possible time,” Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told the media.

The rebels on Thursday captured 43 Fijian peacekeepers in Golan Heights, and proceeded to capture Filipino troops.

The standoff occurred after the Filipino peacekeepers resisted and refused to surrender their firearms.

“We join the rest of the world in praying for the safety of all the peacekeepers in the region, in particular our countrymen who continue to carry out their honorable duties,” Lacierda added.

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