AFP chief asks for more patience from kin of returning UN peacekeepers

From InterAksyon (Nov 10): AFP chief asks for more patience from kin of returning UN peacekeepers

Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has asked for more patience from the families of the arriving first batch of 108 soldiers who served the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia for almost one year, as they will be quarantined for 21 days in Caballo Island immediately after arrival this coming Wednesday at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

"To the family members of our gallant peacekeepers, I'd like to ask for your patience for extending the absence of your loved ones for these 21 more days, at least. We have done everything to make their stay in the island paradise of Caballo, off Manila Bay, a pleasant and memorable one," Catapang during his news conference at Camp Aguinaldo.

The second batch of four soldiers who were in charge of arrangements for the transport of military equipment are expected to arrive sometime next week.

Catapang said the soldiers will not be bored since their wives and children can contact them through their communication gadgets.

"Both Smart and Globe Communications have expanded their cellular network coverage in order to promote telecom services for our hero peacekeepers. Smart Communications has set up a free wifi facility to honor the peacekeepers and their family members by allowing them use of Internet services with 3G signal," Catapang said.

The UTair Aviation plane from Monrovia, Liberia with 108 soldiers on board, along with 24 policemen and a jail officer, is scheduled to land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in the early evening of November 12.

"They will disembark at the Villamor Air Base base operations facility and, upon arrival, be brought immediately to Caballo Island for their 21-day quarantine. This is in compliance with our government's drive for the country to remain Ebola virus disease free," Catapang said.

On Nov. 8, the peacekeepers who belonged to the "no risk category" of the Ebola infection in Liberia had been declared safe by the UN medical staff corps.

"Their work is concentrated inside the force headquarters of the United Nations mission in Liberia as members of the mission’s support personnel. They all passed the Ebola screening test, their clinical assessment was strictly required for peacekeepers who are due for repatriation," Catapang said.

The quarantine area at Caballo will be supervised by Task Group Liberia led by the Philippine Navy.

"We are closely working with the Department of Health's Bureau of Quarantine, the Health Emergency Management Bureau and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine during their stay in the island. After the quarantine period the AFP will schedule a heroes welcome for our gallant peacekeepers in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments while in service with the United Nations," Catapang said.

Meanwhile, Catapang said the arriving members of the 18th Philippine Contingent to Liberia will be the last while the threat of Ebola virus continues to spread in that country.

"Actually, our contingent had only six months to serve the UN peacekeeping force there, but their tour of duty was extended anther four months. They stayed there for almost one year," he said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98905/afp-chief-asks-for-more-patience-from-kin-of-returning-un-peacekeepers