AFP says Pinoy peacekeepers in Golan are safe

MANILA, Philippines - The military on Tuesday  gave assurance that the Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights are safe amid tensions caused by the chemical attacks allegedly by the Syrian government.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said members of the Philippine contingent have been provided with the necessary safety equipment and facilities.

“Our troops are under the United Nations (UN). That alone is a guarantee that if there is an attack by whatever force against them, our United Nations-led Philippine battalion will be protected,” Zagala said in a press conference.

“We are confident that in the event of a chemical attack, our troops will be well-protected,” he added.

Zagala said the peacekeepers have been provided with masks, suits, gloves, communication devices and bunkers.

Measures have also been undertaken to prevent the abduction of Philippine peacekeepers, he added.

Tensions in Syria rose after more than 1,400 persons including hundreds of children were killed in a chemical attack believed to have been staged by the Assad regime.

United States President Barack Obama is now seeking congressional approval of a military action in Syria in a move that is seen to trigger debates worldwide.

The Philippines has been deploying troops to Golan Heights since 2009 as part of its commitment to maintain global peace. The area has been the subject of a territorial conflict between Israel and Syria.

Members of the 6th Philippine Contingent faced various risks during their tour of duty including abductions by Syrian rebels and clashes between government and rebel forces.

The first abduction occurred last March, when 21 Filipino soldiers were seized in a ceasefire zone between Syria and Israel. Four peacekeepers were also kidnapped in the same area last May 7.

All the 25 peacekeepers were released by their captors but the kidnappings have raised concerns among countries deploying peacekeepers to the United Nations.

In June, a member of the same Philippine contingent was injured after  mortar rounds believed to have been fired by Syrian rebels landed inside Camp Ziouni, a UN logistics headquarters in Golan Heights.

Owing to these incidents, the Department of Foreign Affairs recommended a pullout of Filipino peacekeepers in the area.

The Philippines, however, agreed to continue sending forces to Golan Heights after the UN promised to undertake measures to ensure their safety.

The 6th Philippine contingent to Golan Heights is composed of 48 officers and 285 enlisted personnel.