Philippine Defense and military officials during a video conference with Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights.
The Philippines continues to monitor the situation of dozens of embattled Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights following attacks Saturday by Syrian rebels at their enclave.
Filipino defense and military officials said there were no reports of casualties, but the attacks added to the already grave situation of the peacekeepers. Rebels earlier seized 43 Fijians peacekeepers after luring them to surrender their weapons.
Syrian rebels also demanded the Filipinos to surrender their weapons, but the soldiers flatly rejected the demand and stood bravely to protect their position.
Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces Chief General Gregorio Catapang were able to speak via video conference with Lieutenant Colonel Ted Damusmog, commander of the Filipino contingent, who briefed them about their situation in Golan Heights as the stand-off with rebels continued.
The Filipino and Fijians peacekeepers are part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in Golan Heights which is now surrounded by rebels allied with al-Qaeda.
Catapang has expressed concern for the safety of the Filipino peacekeepers and the Fijian hostages, but said the “peacekeeping contingent has the right to defend its positions and their units in line with UN protocols and rules of engagement.”
“Our soldiers are prepared, trained, and capable of dealing with these situations and will take risks to fulfill our commitment to international security and peace,” he said.
He said the Armed Forces and the Department of National Defense are closely coordinating with UNDOF about the safety of the peacekeepers.
“We are in direct communication with our peacekeepers and with the UN Force Headquarters in the Golan Heights as options and contingency plans are being drawn and considered. The safety and security of our peacekeepers remain to be our paramount concern as they remain steadfast on their commitment to their mission,” he said, adding, they are exerting all efforts to ensure the safety and security of the peacekeepers.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said President Benigno Aquino is also closely watching the situation in the Golan Heights. She said the President also worries about the safety of the peacekeepers.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/08/philippines-monitors-embattled-filipino.html
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