115 Filipino peacekeepers honored

MANILA, Philippines—The 115 Filipino peacekeepers who recently arrived in the country were honoured in a ceremony at the General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo Wednesday.

The members of the 15th Philippine Contingent to Liberia, who served in the United Nations peacekeeping mission for almost 10 months, were awarded the UN Service Medal for their “significant role” in maintaining peace and security in Liberia.

The contingent was composed of eight officers and 107 personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force. It has two female soldiers, a doctor, and a corps of engineers.

Colonel Jorge Lomboy III, contingent commander, said the Filipino peacekeepers were sent to maintain peace and security, especially in the conduct of elections held in October and November last year in Liberia.

Lomboy commended his team for the success of the mission.

Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Reynaldo Mapagu congratulated the contingent for its unceasing service to the people of Liberia that he said contributes in the country’s quest for self-recovery and lasting peace.

In a speech delivered by Inspector General Major General Ireneo Espino, Mapagu said that “in the complex and highly volatile environment of Liberia, a country that has its share of socio-economic problems, our Filipino contingent exhibited extraordinary dedication to foster an environment conducive to peace, order and security.”