Peacekeepers being quarantined at Caballo Island depart for a final medical checkup before being released to spend Christmas with their loved ones. Photographs from Armed Forces of the Philippines
The 108 soldiers, 24 police officers and a jail officer have finally finished their quantine after returning from their nine-month United Nations Peacekeeping mission in Ebola-stricken Liberia, finishing the mandatory 21-day isolation period on Caballo Island off Manila Bay, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced.
"Officially, on this day, their quarantine period ended," said Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, public affairs chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
At about 12 noon Tuesday, they boarded Philippine Navy vessels (in photo above) for the transfer to Sangley Point in Cavite, to be transported by military buses to the AFP Medical Center for routine medical screening.
Major Gerard Alvaran, one of the peacekeepers, said that he was very excited to come back home.
"I am eagerly waiting for this day that we finish this quarantine period. I can't wait to see my family during the Hero's Welcome that is scheduled for us," he said.
Alvaran said that they enjoyed their stay on Caballo Island.
"Our stay was never boring because we had lots of activities including fun games, environmental protection activities and also the rare opportunity to discover the historic spots there," he said.
The peacekeepers were formed into groups and were allowed to visit Battery Craighill and Battery Gillespied, where they experienced views of Metro Manila, Cavite and Corregidor island.
Master Sergeant Freddie Mercado, the group's first sergeant, said that he kept himself fit during his stay on the island.
"I jogged every morning around the island, during which I also had the chance to watch the beauty of the sunrise. I also participated in all the ball games to interact with my fellow peacekeepers," he said.
SPO4 Shirley B. Alonzo, a member of the police peacekeepers, said that the quarantine was not in vain.
"Our stay was very productive. It also gave us an opportunity to show our creativity by making the island a better place by planting trees and conducting coastal cleanup," she said.
One peacekeeper is confined at the AFP Medical Center for hypertension, although, Cabunoc said, "although we hope he will be able to join the group to receive the heroes' welcome" that will coincide with the lighting of the Christmas tree there.
AFP Chief of Staff, General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. will lead the welcome ceremony that will be held at 4:30 pm on Thursday.
"I am very happy that the peacekeepers have successfully finished the quarantine without any untoward incident. I am commending them for their self-sacrifices to make our country Ebola virus-free," he said.
Catapang has also prepared exciting prices for winners of the friendly competition such as essay writing, photo contest and sportsfest.
Catapang will award the UN Service Medal to the peacekeepers for their exemplary performance and services as members of the peacekeeping contingent in Liberia.
Meanwhile, the 24 peacekeepers from the Philippine National Police were given honors by the PNP top brass.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said the peacekeepers arrived at Camp Crame Tuesday afternoon after completing their mandatory 21-day quarantine.
"In honor of their sacrifice and courage in their missions, the PNP personnel who have served in UN peacekeeping operations in Ebola-stricken Liberia will be awarded letters of commendation, UN Service Medal and Glock 9mm Pistol to be witnessed by their families and other police officers," Mayor said.
"Since 1992, the PNP has been sending its peacekeeping contingents to UN peacekeeping operations and missions, first in Cambodia and subsequently in other countries torn by conflict to provide services and assistance," said Mayor.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/100358/peacekeepers-end-caballo-island-quarantine
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