Pinoy chief of staff of Golan Heights peacekeepers is back home

From InterAksyon (Sep 10): Pinoy chief of staff of Golan Heights peacekeepers is back home



Col. Ezra James Enriquez

The Filipino chief of staff of the United Nations Disengagement and Observer Force in the Golan Heights returned to the country on Wednesday, more than a week after Filipino troops escaped encirclement by Syrian rebels after defying orders to surrender.

The return of Army Colonel Ezra James Eriquez was confirmed by Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Major General Domingo Tutaan.

However, he said no statement would be issued on Enriquez’ repatriation until he has reported to AFP chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., which is scheduled on Thursday.

Tutaan said Enriquez arrived alone.

Late last month, Syrian rebels captured more than 40 Fijian peacekeepers and then surrounded the positions held by the Filipino troops.

The Filipinos from one position were extracted with the help of Irish armored personnel carriers but 40 others remained surrounded but refused to surrender despite being ordered to do so by Indian General Iqbal Singh Singha, the UNDOF commander.

The 40 Filipinos eventually pulled off a daring escape when they ran low on ammunition after fending off the Syrians in a seven-hour firefight.

Amid the resulting spat between Singha and Philippine defense officials, Enriquez resigned as UNDOF chief of staff.

However, his resignation was rejected and he was placed on administrative leave.

The Filipino contingent in the Golan Heights will return to the country when its tour of duty ends next month.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/95144/pinoy-chief-of-staff-of-golan-heights-peacekeepers-is-back-home