Aquino wants study on Filipino peacekeepers done before deciding to continue tours of duty

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): Aquino wants study on Filipino peacekeepers done before deciding to continue tours of duty

President Benigno S. Aquino III wants a study on Filipino peacekeepers' ability to carry on with their assigned tasks abroad done before deciding whether to recall or allow them to continue with their respective tours of duty.

The President said in a press briefing after keynoting the 115th Founding Anniversary of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Manila, that he had the safety of the Pinoy peacekeepers in mind for wanting the study conducted.

The President said he wanted the rules of engagement refined and the necessary equipment provided for all peacekeepers as well as all threats defined in the study.

"Kapag tinapatan ba sila ng tangke, may kakayahan tayo? Magkakaroon tayo ng anti-armor. Kapag meron bang aircraft na magte-threaten sa kanilang position, meron na rin tayong kinukuhang anti-aircraft. Ano ba ang puwede ninyong gawin habang observer kayo para naman pangalagaan ang sarili mong seguridad?" the President said.

"Kapag na-satisfy tayo in all of those conditions e magiging tenable iyong mission, puwede sila manatili doon para tulong na rin sa buong mundo. Pero kapag hindi naman tayo pinagkalooban noong ating mga hiling e hindi ko iri-risk ang ating tropa na manatili doon kung hindi nila kakayanin iyong misyon," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=536461