In March 8, 2013, file photo, a UN peacekeeper from the Philippines UNDOF force crosses to Syria at the Quneitra Crossing between Syria and the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. The pullout of more than 400 Filipino peacekeepers from Liberia and the Golan Heights may take two to three months, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014. AP
MANILA, Philippines—Members of another Filipino peacekeeping force were ordered to return to the UN battalion headquarters to ensure their safety amid the ongoing standoff in Golan Heights.
Troops in Position 60 were brought to the UN Disengagement Force Headquarters in Camp Faouar past 5 p.m. Philippine time, military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said Friday night.
The troops were composed of 60 personnel — seven officers and 53 enlisted personnel.
“The peacekeeping teams were directed to consolidate their forces,” he said.
Tutaan clarified that the standoff in Positions 68 and 69, where 75 Filipino peacekeepers are trapped since Thursday, is still ongoing.
The United Nations is still negotiating the release of the peacekeepers.