PH thanks other nations for assisting troops in Golan Heights

Herminio Coloma Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday thanked the other nations that provided aid for Filipino peacekeepers who recently escaped from a firefight with Syrian rebels in Golan Heights.

“The Philippines is grateful for the help and support of other countries who are also members of the UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force Zone), particularly Syria, Israel, Qatar and the United States for coordinating to keep the peace and integrity of that particular region in Golan Heights and for de-escalating the tension there,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in Filipino over state-run radio.

Another report said Irish peacekeepers also helped the Filipino troops.

Coloma said the reduced tension and stability of the situation resulted from the coordination of the UN and the said countries after the 72 Filipino troops defended their area from the attack of Syrian rebels on Saturday morning.

He added that President Benigno Aquino III has been closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and other areas where Filipino troops have been stationed as part of the UNDOF.

On Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported Fijian peacekeepers were captured by the Syrian rebels, leaving Filipino troops trapped in their positions.

The rebels wanted the peacekeepers to surrender their firearms but the Filipino soldiers refused, leading to a standoff and later a seven-hour firefight in one of the two areas covered by the troops.

Coloma said government officials have been monitoring the situation since Friday with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang giving timely updates to Aquino.

“Secretary Gazmin and General Catapang have lauded our courageous soldiers for their firm determination to defend the area they were looking after at the Golan Heights. It was proof of the determination of the Philippines to follow through with our commitment with the United Nations,” he added.

He said the AFP and the UN did not let the safety of the soldiers be compromised, in addition to ensuring that they accomplish their task.

Coloma confirmed that the Filipino peacekeepers from Position 68 and Position 69 were repositioned to Camp Ziuoani, which is still within their area of responsibility.

Amid the gunfight, no Filipino soldier was injured.

“They are all safe and throughout the ordeal, there were no casualties from our ranks,” Coloma said.

He added that the families of the soldiers have been receiving prompt updates on the situation of their loved ones.

“We also want to thank our countrymen for the support and prayers they offer for the safety of Filipino soldiers in the Middle East and the rest of the world,” Coloma said.

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