UN cites Filipino peacekeepers in Haiti

MANILA, Philippines—The United Nations has awarded peacekeeping medals to Filipino soldiers and police officers serving in Haiti in recognition of their dedication and sacrifice in defending the cause of peace.

Citing a report from the Philippine Mission to the UN in New York, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the Filipino peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (Minustah) were honored with the UN Medal at a ceremony in Port-au-Prince on Feb. 24.

1,200 peacekeepers

Peacekeepers from the Philippines have been deployed in Haiti since October 2004.

Apart from providing security, they also carry out various activities to benefit the local population, including conducting free medical consultations and treatment, food distribution and cleaning up around the main streets of the capital, the DFA said.

It added that some 1,200 Filipino peacekeepers were currently working to keep the peace throughout the world under the UN banner.

Deployed to different countries

“In addition to Haiti, they are deployed in Liberia, Sudan, Timor Leste, Ivory Coast, Golan Heights and within the Military Observer Group between India and Pakistan,” the DFA said.

Present during the awarding ceremony were Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Haiti Mariano Fernández Amunátegui, Minustah Force Commander Brig. Gen. Jorge Gabriel Gerrero, Deputy Commissioner of the UN Police Col. Tabasky Diouf, and Philippine contingent commander Col. George Fernandez.