Filipino peacekeepers in high spirits

Some of the 21 Filipino United Nations (UN) peacekeepers at the press conference upon their arrival at Jordanian Army Headquarters in Amman Jordan Saturday March, 9, 2012. AP FLE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The 21 Filipino United Nations peacekeepers who were detained four days by Syrian rebels in the Golan Heights are in high spirits, according to the Philippine ambassador to Israel who visited them last Monday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Ambassador Generoso Calonge, along with Philippine battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Nolie Anquiliano, met the Filipino peacekeepers at Camp Ziouani in the Israel side of the Golan Heights.  The soldiers entered Israel non-stop to the camp after being freed on the Jordanian border.

“Despite the uncertainties they experienced during the four-day ordeal, the peacekeepers appeared to be in high spirits and were very delighted upon seeing the welcoming party,” the DFA said.

As a morale booster, other fellow Filipino peacekeepers in the camp waived small Philippine and UN flags and began cheering upon seeing the UN convoy that transported their comrades to the Philippine battalion headquarters in the camp.

Philippine Army Colonel Cirilito Sobejano, chief of staff of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (Undof), led the team that received them on the Jordanian border and accompanied them back to their home base.

Upon arrival at the battalion headquarters, Sobejano immediately reported the arrival of the 21 Filipino soldiers by phone to Major General Iqbal Singha, Undof commander who is based in Camp Faouar, on Syrian side.

Calonge also spoke to Singha, who relayed his appreciation for the unwavering support being extended by the Philippines to peacekeeping operations, especially in the Golan.

At the battalion headquarters briefing room, Calonge spoke to the 21 soldiers, praising their bravery and calmness.

“You have once again demonstrated the bravery of Philippine soldiers wherever they may be posted, at home or abroad; you have defined and personified the true meaning of peacekeeping and you have made your country very proud as you continue to perform your duties and responsibilities without fear in the face of danger,” Calonge said.

“Now, everybody understands that peacekeeping is not a very simple task because it calls, among others, for your fair and sound judgment on each and every situation you find yourselves into. I fully understand the complexities being faced by peacekeepers. The rules of military engagement are complex but they are much more difficult to apply in situations like these,” he added.

Calonge reiterated that the Philippines, as a founding member of the UN, will remain fully committed to the UN mandate of promoting peace and security, and that the Philippine contingent to the Undof would remain stationed in the Golan “to perform its obligations in the name of peace.”

Sobejano, for his part, said the safe return of the 21 peacekeepers was a relief. He said the soldiers would still have to undergo standard operating procedures applicable in this type of situation before they could return to duty.

Anquiliano said the peacekeepers under his command will remain fully committed to performing their duties as troops of a country that takes its international commitments seriously.