Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights now homeward bound

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19): Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights now homeward bound

Filipino peacekeepers, who figured in a firefight with Syrian rebels last August, are now homeward bound after completing their tour-of-duty in the Golan Heights as part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

Led by 7th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights commander Lt. Col. Ted Damusmog, the 339 members of the unit will arrive in two batches.

The first batch of 244 peacekeepers are due Friday while while the remaining 85 will arrive on Sept. 21.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, said that these personnel will be subjected to standard medical examinations upon arrival.

He added that the former will also conduct a courtesy call to AFP commander-in-chief and President Benigno S. Aquino III and to the House of Representatives when they arrive.

A motorcade is also being prepared for their homecoming.

The 7th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights figured in a stand-off and a fire-fight with Al-Qaeda-affiliated Syrian rebels after the latter attempted to take the Filipino-occupied Positions 68 and 69 in the Syrian side of Golan Heights.

The Filipinos exhibited their bravery and commitment when they stood their ground even after the rebels succeeded in taking over the positions held by Fijian peacekeepers, taking 45 Fiji nationals as hostages.

A firefight erupted when the rebels advanced and fired upon peacekeepers at Position 68, while peacekeepers in Position 69 successfully repositioned to a more secure location with the help of UNDOF’s quick reaction force.

The remaining peacekeepers, running low on ammunition, eventually repositioned on foot at their headquarters in Camp Faouar on Aug. 30, finally ending the stand-off.

Due to the escalating violence in the Syrian side of Golan Heights, all peacekeepers were repositioned in the Israeli-side of the mission area.

Because of this repositioning, UNDOF deemed it practical that the Philippine contingent be repatriated earlier than expected.

Zagala said these personnel, with their families, will be given a heroes' welcome as they exhibited courage, bravery and commitment, while in the face of overwhelming threat.

"The AFP’s leadership commends the peacekeepers for showing resolve and determination in fulfilling our country’s commitment to their mission of preserving the integrity of the line of separation between Syria and Israel," he concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=686080