Friday, August 29, 2014

(Update) AFP prepared for any 'eventualities' in Golan Heights stand-off

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29): (Update) AFP prepared for any 'eventualities' in Golan Heights stand-off
 
While hoping for a peaceful conclusion on the ongoing stand-off between Filipino troops and Syrian rebels at the Golan Heights, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Major Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr., said that plans and other measures are now in place in case of "eventualities."

He declined to comment on what these measures are for reasons of operational security.

"We cannot divulge this for operational security matters," Tutaan stressed.

However, the AFP spokesperson said that there is still hope that the stand-off will de-escalate.

The stand-off ensued from refusal of the Filipino contingent to surrender their weapons to Syrian rebels who encircled their position.

This took place around Thursday 10 a.m. (Syria time).

Initially, the rebels occupied the positions of the Fijians of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights and demanded that they surrender their firearms.

"However, upon surrendering their firearms, the 43 Fijian Peacekeepers were taken hostage," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Ramon Zagala earlier stressed.

Later, the Syrian rebels surrounded the Philippine contingent’s encampments with Fijian hostages in tow and demanded that the Filipino troops surrender their firearms, the AFP public affairs chief.

"The Philippine peacekeepers held their ground and demonstrated their resolve to defend their positions. They did not surrender their firearms as they may in turn be held hostage themselves. This resulted in a stand-off which is still the prevailing situation at this time as UN officials try to peacefully resolve the situation," he added.

Zagala said the Philippine government and the United Nations are in close coordination and are working together to ensure the safety and security of the Filipino troops in the stand-off.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=678106

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