No fresh deployment of Filipino peacekeepers until UN probe is completed, says Aquino

From InterAksyon (Oct 1): No fresh deployment of Filipino peacekeepers until UN probe is completed, says Aquino

The Aquino administration will wait until the United Nations has finished its investigation on the Golan Heights standoff in August before making a decision on whether to send a fresh contingent of Filipino peacekeepers to strife-torn areas.

"We are awaiting the investigation on the UN on the incident and that will be our basis on whether we will join other peacekeeping efforts," Aquino said during the heroes' welcome ceremony for the 330 Filipino peacekeepers at the Palace on Wednesday.

"Let me reiterate: We cannot send our troops to help in a mission impossible situation or in an unclear mission. This is very important for their safety," the President added.

The Filipino peacekeepers who used to be stationed in Golan Heights have been tasked to secure Pope Francis when he visits the country in January next year.

Earlier, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Filipino peacekeepers "did the right thing" in escaping from the clutches of Syrian rebels in Golan Heights and defying the order of the commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force to stand down.

But Lt. Gen. Iqbal Singha, UNDOF head, accused the Filipino troops of being unprofessional.

He said the Filipino peacekeepers "broke the chain of command and UN orders" even as he denied giving the stand-down order.

"The higher UN echelon as well as the Indian Army agrees with me that the decision was correct," Singha said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/96488/no-fresh-deployment-of-filipino-peacekeepers-until-un-probe-is-completed-says-aquino