From InterAksyon (Aug 23): DND mulls over pullout of Pinoy peacekeepers in Liberia, Golan Heights
The Department of National Defense (DND) is mulling over the possibility of pulling out Filipino troops deployed under the United Nation's flag as peacekeepers in the Golan Heights and Liberia as the respective situations there continue to turn hazardous.
DND sources said that the move is meant to ensure the safety and security of Filipino soldiers deployed in those missions.
DND said that it is considering the repatriation by October of the 331-strong Filipino-contingent deployed as part of the UN's Disengagement Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights being occupied by Israeli forces since 1967.
The Philippine has sustained its contingent in the Golan Heights in the face of the pullout of other peacekeeping troops by other contributing countries as the conflict in nearby Syria intensified last year.
The situation in the Golan Heights has become more intense in the past months following the rise of the jhadist militant group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), whose most recent significant misdeed was the beheading of American journalist James Fowley last week.
On the other hand, Filipino peacekeepers might be pulled out from Liberia due to the continued rising health risks posed by the outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus in the West African nation.
One Filipino seaman has been quarantined to test for the deadly virus, which he may have contracted, if at all, while he was in Liberia.
DND said that there is a possibility that Filipino peacekeepers in Liberia will be repatriated as soon as possible
"Amidst the volatile security environment in the Middle East and North African region, the Philippines prioritizes the safety and security of its troops, but remains committed to the peacekeeping missions of the United Nations," the Defense department said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/93852/dnd-mulls-over-pullout-of-pinoy-peacekeepers-in-liberia-golan-heights
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