TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED Security forces salute before flying off as UN peacekeepers in Haiti in 2014. —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Showcasing the compassion of Filipino women, the Philippines asked the United Nations Security Council to consider highly trained and experienced female peacekeepers in easing conflict in hot spots all over the world.
Speaking before the regular session of the Security Council, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said the Philippines is ready to share its relevant experience in forging peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“We wish to increase our footprint with more professional peacekeepers on the ground, most especially highly trained women peacekeepers with nothing to prove and much compassion to share,” said Yulo-Loyzaga, who was designated to read the country’s statement at the international meeting.
Yulo-Loyzaga cited the Philippines’ “success story” in creating the BARMM, which had women as negotiators, researchers, educators and community organizers.
“We forged what is now BARMM across half a century of fighting between war in factions and clansmen, and both against an inclusive democracy. Peace is possible and patience-based, they are the best way forward and the least hurt and lost,” she said.
Rules-based order
Yulo-Loyzaga pointed out that the Philippines has always stood for a rules-based order “where reason rules and compassion prevail,” which, she said, is shown by its active participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other global partnerships.
Women are the core of the mission, she said, adding that the “art of peacemaking begins at home and comes out of the hands of women.”
“We believe honest and strategic collaboration is essential to assisting conflict-affected countries. The peaceful settlement of international disputes and strengthening resilience in facing security risks, Yulo-Loyzaga said.
The Philippines, Yulo-Loyzaga assured the UN, is committed to beefing up its presence and participation in global peacekeeping efforts.
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Yulo-Loyzaga delivered the Philippines’ statement during the 9,574th UN Security Council meeting in New York, which was anchored on promoting conflict prevention and empowering sectors, including women and the youth.
“This is our commitment to inclusive intergenerational and lasting peace. As a partner, pathfinder, and peacemaker, the Philippines is ready to bring our experiences to the security council to demonstrate a focused and effective approach to peace and security challenges,” she added.
Previous missions
She noted that the Philippines has been joining UN peacekeeping operations since 1963 and has deployed almost 15,000 Filipino peacekeepers to 21 peacekeeping operations and special missions.
The country’s participation in “blue helmet” brigades was highlighted in 2014 when 75 soldiers fended off an attack by al-Qaida-linked Syrian rebels in the Golan Heights for four days.
The al-Qaida troops had just overrun a post of 45 Fijian peacekeepers, who were ordered to surrender and were taken hostage.
The Filipinos, however, did not comply with a similar order to surrender for fear of being taken hostage, but they abandoned their post under cover of darkness and managed to escape. INQ