Medical team to join RP peacekeepers

Despite the continued threat of terrorist attacks, the Philippines will deploy a 180-member medical team as part of the country’s commitment to the rehabilitation of post-war Iraq, Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople announced yesterday.

Ople said the team will be composed of doctors and nurses to join the 96-member peacekeeping contingent already deployed in Iraq.

The current contingent is composed of 55 officers and servicemen from the Armed For-ces of the Philippines (AFP), 26 from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and 15 from the Department of Health.

The first batch of peacekeeping forces left for Iraq last Aug. 26 and were deployed at Al Hillah, Babil, 100 kilometers away from Baghdad.

Special envoy for the Middle East Roy Cimatu and contingent commander Brig. Gen. Pedro Ramboanga have given assurance that the Filipino troops are safe where they are deployed and necessary measures are being taken for their safety.

"Even though our contingent has not experienced any difficulties, they remain vigilant and do not take any unnecessary risk. Their safety is our highest priority," Ople said.

He said the Philippines is committed to maintain its contingent in Iraq for six more months.

He said that another 79 troops will be deployed soon to complete the Philippine contingent of 175.

Ople added the Philippines is planning to build up its contingent to 500 members "provided that the means allow" for the plan.

"I will convene the inter-agency Task Force on Humanitarian Assistance to Iraq to discuss and plan for our continued presence in Iraq for another six months, resources allowing," he said.

It is expected that after six months, the Coalition Provision Authority led by the United States will turn over full governance of Iraq to its newly formed government.

This will also signal the complete pull out of all coalition troops from Iraq, including the Philippine contingent.

President Arroyo has stressed the importance of deploying peacekeeping forces in Iraq, saying it is the country’s commitment to the global fight against terrorism.

She assured the government is taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the Filipino peacekeeping forces.

Mrs. Arroyo has been one of the staunchest Asian supporters of the US-led war against terrorism as well the US-led attack on Iraq.