RP signs MOU on UN peacekeeping operations

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government has formalized its commitment to continue its participation in the peacekeeping operations of the United Nations.

In a memorandum of understanding signed between UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo in Malacañang, the Philippines agreed to provide trained personnel and equipment to UN peacekeeping missions in conflict zones. President Arroyo witnessed the signing.

“The commitment could be in the form of military information, specialized personnel, as well as material and equipment,” the agreement said.

The agreement said the resources agreed upon shall remain on standby in the Philippines where necessary operations, including UN-guided trainings, are conducted.

The resources will be used exclusively for peacekeeping operations mandated by the UN Security Council.

“We are very proud of the signing of the agreement for a standby arrangement with our peacekeeping forces. We are very proud of our police force which is one of the biggest contingents in the UN Peacekeeping Operations,” the President said in her statement before the dinner she hosted for the UN Secretary General.

For his part, Ban lauded the Philippines for being “one of the strongest supporters of the UN Peacekeeping Forces.”

At present, the Philippines has 621 police and military personnel serving in nine UN mission areas – Afghanistan, Koltival, Darfur, Georgia, Haiti, Kosovo, Liberia, Sudan and Timor Leste.

The President has time and again reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to multilateral peacekeeping, collective world security and the role of international law.  – Marvin Sy