UN in 'backchannel' talks to end Golan standoff

From Rappler (Aug 29): UN in 'backchannel' talks to end Golan standoff

Officials note some good signs. There has been no firefight inside the encampments of the Filipino troops.


STANDOFF. Colonel Roberto Ancan, commander of the AFP peacekeeping operations center in Camp Aguinaldo. Rappler photo

The standoff in Golan Heights between 75 Filipino peacekeepers and Syrian rebels marks its Day 2 as negotiation for the rebels to stand down continues.

"Negotiation is ongoing," Philippine military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said in an update at 6 pm on Friday, August 29.

 

The rebels surrounded at 10 am Thursday (3 pm Thursday in Manila) the encampments of Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights, a buffer zone separating Israel and Syria. The standoff began when Filipinos refused to give in to the rebels' demand to surrender their firearms, concerned that they will also be taken hostage like the 43 Fijian peacekeepers. (Editor's note: Wire agencies earlier put the number of Filipino troops at 81; the military clarified there are only 75)

 

The Philippine military said the troops will stand their ground to protect the UN facilities. (READ: Filipino peacekeepers in Golan to defend posts vs Syrian rebels)

 

Good signs

 

Retired General Natalio Ecarma III, who served as Force Commander of the UN Observer Force in Golan Heights in 2010, gave an assurance that the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon is leading backchannel talks with groups supporting the Syrian rebels.

 

"The UN system, the UN organization, Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, and his assistant secretaries are contacting – backchanneling – those who are supporting these rebel groups to talk to them and make them stand down and not continue threatening our peacekeepers," Ecarma, now undersecretary for defense, told reporters Friday afternoon.

 

Officials note some good signs. There has been no firefight inside the encampments of the Filipino troops inspite of their refusal to heed an earlier ultimatum to surrender their firearms.

 

"This may be a good indicator that they really do not mean what they say and we are hoping and praying that it will not escalate," said Ecarma. He did not elaborate.

 

Syrian rebels also abducted Filipino peacekeepers in two separate incidents last year. They were eventually released unharmed.

 

Target: Weapons?

 

Officials believe that Syrians continue to appreciate the presence of peacekeepers in Golan Heights because they make sure that Israel troops do not cross over to the Syrian border and vice versa.

 

Ecarma believes the rebels are after the weapons of the Filipino peacekeepers.

 

"Most likely, what they want are the weapons, the provisions, and the ammunition," he said.

 

The incident happened as the Philippines finalized the pullout of over 300 peacekeepers in Golan because of escalating internal conflict in Syria. Their tour of duty ends in October and no fresh troops will be deployed.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/67640-golan-standoff-continues-negotiations

UN: 72 Filipino peacekeepers are safe

From Rappler (Aug 30): UN: 72 Filipino peacekeepers are safe

'The United Nations continues to engage with a wide range of parties within Syria, and is making every effort to ensure the safety and security of its personnel,' says UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric


PATROL: File photo of UNDOF peacekeepers patrol in Golan Heights. United Nations photo

The 72 Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights "have not been harmed and are in good health."

The United Nations (UN) continues to engage "parties within Syria" for the safety of the peacekeepers, UN spokespreson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York on Friday afternoon, August 29 (Saturday in Manila).

“The United Nations is engaging – continues to engage – with a wide range of parties within Syria, and is making every effort to ensure the safety and security of its personnel,” he told reporters.

A UN note published in its web site said they are in regular contact with the Filipino peacekeepers who are serving under the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). The numbers are adjusted again from 75 to 72 troops.

As a contingency measure, the UN earlier ordered another group of 58 Filipino peacekeepers to leave their posts in northern Golan to consolidate at the UNDOF headquarters. The standoff is happening in central Golan.

In Manila, the Philippine military, which is closely coordinating with the UN, said the situation is "still the same."

"Negotiations are ongoing. We continue our peacekeeping duties despite standoff," said Philippine military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala in a text message at 9am on Saturday, August 30.

The UN said it also received assurances from credible sources that the 44 Fijian peacekeepers who were detained by the Syrian rebels are also "safe and in good health." The UN, however, has not yet had a direct contact with them.

The Syrian rebels supposedly claimed that they are holding the peacekeepers "to remove them from an active battlefield to a safe area for their own protection."

Golan Heights is a buffer zone that straddles the borders of warring Syria and Israel. Peacekeepers there are tasked to monitor the 1974 disengagement accord. The situation has changed however when the internal conflict in Syria erupted in 2011.

There are over a thousand peacekeepers from the Philippines, Fiji, India, Ireland, Netherlands, and Nepal.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/67677-un-72-filipino-peacekeepers-have-not-been-harmed

UN orders 58 other PH peacekeepers in Golan to leave posts

From Rappler (Aug 29): UN orders 58 other PH peacekeepers in Golan to leave posts

While the United Nations is holding backchannel talks to make the Syrian rebels stop the harassment of Filipino peacekeepers in central Golan, another group of Filipino peacekeepers is moving out of their posts in the north


GOLAN PEACEKEEPERS: File photo of Filipino troops before they left for Golan Heights

While the United Nations (UN) is holding backchannel talks to make the Syrian rebels end the standoff with Filipino peacekeepers in central Golan, another group of Filipino troops were ordered to leave their posts in Position 60 located in the north.

"This is Position 60. It's not a pullout. Our troops were consolidated at Camp Faouar, the UNDOF headquarters.... It is part of contigency plans," Philippine military spokesperson Major General Domingo Tutaan Jr confirmed to Rappler Friday evening, August 29.

At least 58 troops, including 7 officers, moved out of Position 60 at 5:30 pm on Friday to "consolidate" at Camp Faouar, the headquarters of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). The order came as the standoff in central Golan marked its 2nd day Friday afternoon.

The troops are committed to defend their posts and the UN facilities, officials said.

Positions 68 and 69, where the standoff is ongoing, are located in central Golan. Position 60, on the other hand, is located in the northern part.

Over 300 Filipino troops are currently deployed as peacekeepers in Golan. There are more troops deployed in the southern part.

Syrian rebels surrounded at 10 am Thursday (3 pm, Thursday in Manila), August 28, the encampments of Filipino peacekeepers. The standoff began when Filipinos refused to give in to the rebels' demand to surrender their firearms, concerned that they will also be taken hostage like the 43 Fijian peacekeepers. (Editor's note: Wire agencies earlier put the number of Filipino troops at 81; the military clarified there are only 75)

The Philippine military said the troops will stand their ground to protect the UN facilities. (READ: Filipino peacekeepers in Golan to defend posts vs Syrian rebels)

Golan Heights straddles the borders of warring Syria and Israel. It is the task of the peacekeepers to "maintain the ceasefire and supervise the agreement and protocol with regard to the area of separation and area of limitation." The situation changed when internal conflict erupted in Syria in 2011.

The incident happens as the Philippines is finalizing the pullout of troops in Golan Heights because of the escalating security situation. Their tour of duty is ending in October and no fresh troops will be deployed.

http://www.rappler.com/news/67652-filipino-peacekeepers-leave-post

'GRAVE DANGER' | Invest in AFP to beef up territorial defense, Magdalo solon urges

From InterAksyon (Aug 29): 'GRAVE DANGER' | Invest in AFP to beef up territorial defense, Magdalo solon urges



A slide from a presentation by Magdalo party-list Rep. Ashley Acedillo showing the transformation of a Chinese structure on the disputed Mischief Reef in the West Philippine Sea from February 1995 to April this year

A soldier turned lawmaker has urged the government to pour more funds into beefing up the military’s territorial defense capability as he warned that the country is in “grave danger” of losing out to rival claimants in the West Philippine Sea.

"With an Air Force that cannot protect our air space and a Navy that cannot protect our maritime interest, claimant countries have accelerated their creeping occupation of our islands," Magdalo party-list Representative Ashley Acedillo said.

Acedillo was one of the junior military officers who mounted the short-lived Oakwood mutiny against then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in July 2003.

The lawmaker suggested that unreleased or unexpended funds from the military’s budget this year be added to its proposed 2015 budget to beef up appropriations for the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

Of the P24 billion programmed for the modernization program this year, only P10 billion has been released to the AFP, he said.

"We recommend that the P14 billion balance be added to the 2015 appropriation," Acedillo said in a privilege speech at the House of Representatives.

He acknowledged that the equipment the military needs is “expensive, but it has been said that there is no such thing as a price tag for sovereignty."

For next year, the Department of National Defense, which includes the AFP, is seeking a budget of P144. This includes the P10 billion for modernization.

Republic Act 7898 or the AFP Modernization Act was enacted into law in 1995 to develop the military’s capability for territorial defense.

But Acedillo said that, of the P331 billion originally allocated for the 15-year program, from 1996 to 2011, the AFP has received only P33 billion.

"The allotment was hardly felt by the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force," he said.

The Aquino administration has extended the program for another 15 years and approved 24 projects worth P85.2 billion.

Two of the projects have been contracted out with the 22 are mostly still waiting for funds, Acedillo pointed out.

The former soldier worried particularly about incursions by China into the West Philippine Sea, where it has also built several fortifications.



Chinese structures in the West Philippines Sea (courtesy of Rep. Ashley Acedill)

The Philippines, he said, maintains “structures and personnel in seven islands and two shoals."

Of the other claimants, Vietnam occupies 21 territories, Malaysia, three, and Taiwan, one.

"Needless to say, China claims the entire South China Sea, but occupies seven features in our Kalayaan Island Group. Take note that out of the 97 features, only 41 are occupied, and there are 56 more that are unoccupied," Acedillo said.



Map showing the location of areas occupied by the various claimants in the West Philippine Sea (courtesy of Rep. Ashley Acedillo)

"Ang nakakalungkot po dito ay ang Pilipinas hindi nag-develop ng kahit alinman sa mga islang hawak nito. Ito raw ay alinsunod sa Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea na pinirmahan ng buong ASEAN at ng China nu’ng 2002 (What is sad is that the Philippines has not developed any of the islands it occupies. This is supposed to be in accordance with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China in 2002)," he said.



Philippine outposts and occupied islets (courtest of Rep. Ashley Acedillo)

In the face of the China threat, he said, Philippine air defense "is practically zero."  

The AFP, he pointed out, only has one operating radar and no height finder detection.  

It has three S-211 jet trainer aircraft, which are subsonic and not equipped with air-to-air missiles, and no match for fighter interceptors.

"With this token capability, our airspace is open to intrusions. We cannot enforce our PADIZ (Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone).  We cannot patrol out territorial waters, and our Exclusive Economic Zones.  We cannot protect our territories, much less deter intrusions," he said. 
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/94290/grave-danger--invest-in-afp-to-beef-up-territorial-defense-magdalo-solon-urges 

Kidnapped mechanic freed in Sulu

From MindaNews (Aug 29): Kidnapped mechanic freed in Sulu

Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits released late Wednesday a mechanic after holding him captive for 11 days in the mountains of Sulu.

Ronald Pelegrin, 38, said he was released in Barangay Danag, Patikul.
From there, he proceeded to the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) in downtown Patikul where he works as chief mechanic.

The PEO contacted the Anti-Kidnapping Group of the police upon his arrival at the office.

Pelegrin, escorted by AKG personnel, arrived early Thursday in this city aboard a commercial ferry. His family met them at the port.

He was then taken to Camp Batalla where he underwent medical check-up.

Pelegrin and his family went home around 11 a.m. Thursday in Baranghay Salaan this city.

He said he did not know whether or not ransom was paid for his release.

Earlier, the Abu Sayyaf bandits had demanded P15 million for his freedom.

Pelegrin said he will no longer return to his work at the PEO in Sulu.

The bandits seized Pelegrin and his cousin and assistant, Dante Avilla, 29, from their sleeping quarters at the PEO compound on the night of August 16.

But the bandits killed Avilla for refusing to go with them.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/08/29/kidnapped-mechanic-freed-in-sulu/

Midwife snatched in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 29): Midwife snatched in Southern Philippines

Unidentified men seized a midwife in the southern Philippine province of Sulu and security forces were deployed to track down the woman, police said Friday.

Police said Leilani Bernabe was on her way to Luuk District Hospital when she was seized by a group of men in the village called Lihbug Kabaw near Panglima Estino town on Thursday morning. No other details were made available by the police, but security forces have been deployed to track down the woman.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the abduction and it was unknown whether the Abu Sayyaf was involved in this or if ransom or forced marriage was likely motive for the abduction.

There was no immediate statement from the local town mayor about the incident.

The abduction occurred a day after Abu Sayyaf militants freed a kidnapped mechanic Ronald Pelegrin, 39, who works for the provincial government.

Pelegrin, a native of Zamboanga city, was kidnapped on August 16. Police said about 30 militants swooped down at a motor pool in Patikul town and kidnapped Pelegrin, but his assistant Dante Avilla, 29, was killed while trying to escape. It was unknown whether Pelegrin’s family paid ransom or not.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/08/midwife-snatched-in-southern-philippines.html

Cebu, other CV provinces to remain insurgency-free, new Centcom chief tells gov

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29): Cebu, other CV provinces to remain insurgency-free, new Centcom chief tells gov

Major General Nicanor Vivar, the newly-installed commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command (Centcom) based in Camp Lapu-Lapu in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, has vowed to help Cebu and other Central Visayas provinces, maintain their insurgency-free status.

Vivar made the assurance to Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III Thursday during a courtesy call at the governor’s office at the Cebu Capitol.

The AFP CentCom declared Cebu and Bohol insurgency-free in 2009.

On May 31 this year, the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) 7 also announced that Siquijor is free of insurgents while Negros Oriental is “on its way” of becoming insurgency-free.

The RPOC 7 also declared that the whole Central Visayas is “conflict manageable” and a “development-ready” region.

Major General John Bonafos, former Centcom chief, said violent incidences have “weakened or minimized” in these areas.

Vivar said AFP is aiming to make all of the three regions in the Visayas as “conflict manageable” by 2016.

Vivar assumed as the new Centcom commander on August 15 this year vice Bonafos, who has been transferred to higher headquarters as vice chief of staff.

Vivar, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sandigan” Class of 1982, was the former commander of the Philippine Air Force 3rd Air Division based at the Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City.He already received numerous commendations to include the Distinguished Service Star, Presidential Medal of Merit, Bronze Cross Medals, Silver Wing Medal and the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Campaign Medals.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=678119

Mayor Domogan appeals for continued support to PMA cadets

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29): Mayor Domogan appeals for continued support to PMA cadets

Baguio City Mayor Maurico G. Domogan asked for the commitment of foster parents to support the members of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 2017.

Domogan, chairman of the Baguio-Philippine Military Academy Host Parents Association Inc. urged his fellow surrogate parents to renew the enthusiasm in giving the cadets the love that they need and the reassuring comfort that a family can provide while they are away from their real families.

In an interview today, August 29, Domogan said he called on the foster parents to continue to express and show patience, kindness, acceptance, approval and appreciation as they treat their wards as their own.

The PMA Class 2017 SALAKNIB (Sanggalang ay Lakas at Buhay para sa Inang Bayan) is composed of 195 cadets - 120 males and 75 females.

Domogan, last week, addressed the entire corps of cadets focusing on the motto of the PMA which is courage, integrity and loyalty, stressing that these words define the destiny of the cadet.

The motto is not just a rallying point but the basic character that mold them in their future role as custodians of the nation’s defense and vanguards of the nation democracy and protector of the state, he said.

The PMA is the premiere military school in South East Asia which boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service.

PMA is a "tri-service academy", which introduced specialized, branch-of-service-specific courses in the last two years of training, preparing fresh PMA graduates for their specific branch of service, for the graduates to be "field-ready", "fleet-ready" or "squadron-ready" upon graduation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=678113

Army alerted after BIFF attacks in North Cotabato town

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29): Army alerted after BIFF attacks in North Cotabato town
 
Military authorities here have been alerted anew after Moro bandits harassed an Army base in the border of Maguindanao and North Cotabato, officials said Friday.

An undetermined number of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked a military and militia detachment in Barangay Dungguan, Aleosan, North Cotabato Thursday night, according to Capt. Calvin Macatangay.

Macatangay, speaking for the 602nd Infantry Brigade, said no casualty was reported in the incident but the exchange of gunfire sent villagers into panic.

”We have placed our troops stationed in the Maguindanao-North Cotabato border because of its vulnerability to BIFF harassment,” Macatangay said.

”They have done that in the past, they will do it again, so we are always on red alert,” he added.

The BIFF, a breakaway faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), has vowed to launch attacks against military and civilian targets.

Aside from harassing 38th Infantry Battalion detachments in Barangay Dungguan, the BIFF also harassed nearby Barangay Baliki of Midsayap, North Cotabato where a militia detachment was located.

On Sunday afternoon, BIFF bandits harassed an Army detachment in Tulunan, North Cotabato that left a civilian wounded.

Police identified the victim as Jendy Pelinte, a farmer from Barangay Popoyon, who happened to be near the detachment of 39th Infantry Battalion and Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

Macatangay said about 50 BIFF forces emerging from the Maguindanao marshland positioned about 200 meters from the Army-CAFGU detachment and opened fire at past 4 p.m.

Senior Inspector Rolly Cordero, Tulunan police chief, said the bandits fired the first shot, and the soldiers and militiamen returned fire, forcing the attackers to retreat toward the marshland.

Pelinte who was tilling his farm was hit by stray bullets in his legs. He is now recuperating at a local hospital.

Macatangay said the augmentation forces were deployed in communities in the borders of Maguindanao and North Cotabato where BIFF bandits regularly harass.

Police and military authorities in the province consider BIFF as the number one threat to North Cotabato because of its frequent harassment of civilian communities in the boundary.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the BIFF had been harassing Delininas plantation in Tulunan after the firm rejected its demands for revolutionary taxes.

In previous interviews, Hermoso said the bandits have resorted into guerrilla attacks after their main base in Shariff Saydona was overran by military forces in July.

“We expect them to move to other areas because we have captured their camp, they even attempted many times to retake Baranagay Ganta,” Hermoso said, adding that communities in the Maguindanao-North Cotabato borders are vulnerable to BIFF harassment.

Late last week, the BIFF harassed an Army-militia detachment in the borders of Midsayap and Datu Piang but nobody was hurt.

Hermoso said all Army units and its allies deployed in Maguindanao had been alerted for possible atrocities to be carried out by the BIFF.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=678183

AFP modernization well on its way, says Sen. Trillanes

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29): AFP modernization well on its way, says Sen. Trillanes 

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, chair of the Senate National Defense and Security Committee, said in a press forum Friday morning that the country is well on its way with regard modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a press forum with the local media held at the Philippine Information Agency 13 Regional Office, Sen. Trillanes said that the under the amended AFP Modernization Law, major upgrade of weapon and non-weapon technology will be carried out. “The AFP will be provided with P75 billion in fresh infusion for the first five years of implementation,” he said.

Also according to the Trillanes, the Senate finally passed a resolution increasing the subsistence allowance of the soldiers and other uniformed personnel on the third and final reading.

Trillanes who is the principal author and sponsor of the measure, said that “by providing a modest increase on the existing subsistence allowance of our uniformed personnel, we hope to uplift their morale and recognize their sacrifices for the country.”

Other measures taken in order to further strengthen the country’s defense posture according to the senator was to strengthen the Philippines' alliances with the US and with the other neighboring countries such as the ASEAN, Australia, Japan and Korea without offending China. “This is done in order to enhance our defense cooperative agreement with these countries,” he said.

According to the senator, this will make the Philippines' cooperative military exercises more efficient and effective.

Trillanes was joined in the said forum by Michael Leo Torralba of the Samahang Magdalo, Butuan Balanghai Chapter, Fryan Abkilan, Deputy Regional Director, PIA 13 and Director Abner Caga of PIA 13.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=678136

AFP validating reports of Misuari reappearance in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): AFP validating reports of Misuari reappearance in Sulu

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala on Thursday said that the military is still validating reports claiming that renegade Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari has resurfaced in Sulu and is reiterating calls for Muslim independence.

"The AFP is still validating reports of Nur Misuari's reappearance in Sulu. As he is wanted by law, he is subject to law enforcement operations lead by the Philippine National Police (PNP), supported by the AFP," he added.

Misuari has several outstanding arrest warrants in connection to the bloody Zamboanga City siege last year which killed 200 people and caused billions of pesos in private and public properties damage.

"Because of his role in the attack of Zamboanga City last year, Nur Misuari should take responsibility by submitting to the rule of law and face the consequences of his group's actions in Zamboanga City that afflicted suffering to the people of Zamboanga City," Zagala stressed.

Reports earlier claimed that Misuari surfaced in Panamao town, Sulu and reiterated calls for independence.

Some 2,000 members of the MNLF members, loyal to Misuari, allegedly were present during the declaration.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=677757

Government working for peaceful resolution of stand-off between Filipino peacekeepers and Syrian rebels in Golan Heights -- AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29): Government working for peaceful resolution of stand-off between Filipino peacekeepers and Syrian rebels in Golan Heights -- AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said that government is exerting all efforts to ensure the safety and security of the 75 Filipino peacekeepers who are in a stand off with Syrian rebels in Golan Heights since Thursday morning.

"We will exert all efforts to ensure the safety and security of our peacekeepers. The families of our soldiers are already aware of the situation and are in close coordination with our peacekeeping office," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

While the Filipino peacekeepers are prepared to stand their ground, the AFP said they are praying that a peaceful solution will come out from the stand-off.

"Potential for the de-escalation of the situation is still positive," Zagala said.

Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights went in a stand-off with Syrian rebels who tried to storm their position around 10 a.m. (Syria time) last Aug. 28.

Earlier, Syrian rebels occupied the position of Fiji contingent under the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Golan Heights.

The rebels disarmed them and later took 43 Fijians as hostages.

"The Syrian rebels also surrounded the encampments of the Philippine contingent. Our peacekeepers are holding their ground to defend their positions," Zagala said.

"This resulted in a stand-off which is still the prevailing situation in the disengagement area supervised by UNDOF. The Philippine government and UN officials are already trying to peacefully resolve the situation," he added.

Zagala said that the AFP has already expressed its concern for the safety of Filipino soldiers, as well as the hostaged Fijian peacekeepers in Golan Heights.

"Our soldiers are prepared, trained, and capable of dealing with these situations and will take risks to fulfill our commitment to international security and peace. The peacekeeping contingent has the right to defend its positions and their units in line with UN protocols and rules of engagement," he pointed out.

"The AFP and the Department of National Defense are closely coordinating with UNDOF on the matter. We are in direct communication with our peacekeepers and with the UN Force Headquarters in the Golan Heights as options and contingency plans are being drawn and considered," Zagala pointed out.

He added that the safety and security of Filipino peacekeepers remain the AFP's paramount concern as they remain steadfast on their commitment to their mission.

"All actions of the Philippine contingent will be in accordance to their mission under the UNDOF that supervises the area of separation between Syria and Israel in line with the Disengagement Agreement of 1974. We have a standing commitment to UN and will abide by this until otherwise directed by our higher government authorities," Zagala disclosed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=677983

Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights stand-off well-armed - AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29): Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights stand-off well-armed - AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said that the Filipino peacekeepers, involved in the Golan Heights stand-off with Syrian rebels, are a well equipped and armed force.

Col. Roberto Ancan, AFP Peacekeeping Operations Center commander, said the Filipino soldiers involved in this tiff are armed with M-4 assault rifles, M-60 light machineguns, K-3 squad automatic weapons and .45 caliber pistols.

"(Our soldiers) have sufficient ammunition to defend themselves," he added.

Ancan said that the Filipino peacekeepers in the Golan Heights are concentrated in Positions 68 and 69.

The number of Filipino soldiers in Position 68 are 40 and those in Position 69 are placed at 35 or a total of 75 (not 81 as earlier reported).

The two outposts are four kilometers away from each other and are fortified.

Ancan said that no firefight took place in the Filipino positions.

"No actual engagement took place in the Filipino positions since the stand-off took place Thursday," he added.

AFP spokesperson Major Gen. Domingo Tutaan said the Filipino contingent is standing their ground.

Fijian soldiers, under orders from Syria rebels, told the Filipino forces to lay down their arms, an edict the Filipino soldiers stoutly rejected.

Tutaan also declined to comment on whether the Filipino force has artillery support.

Meanwhile, Ancan added that the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) is also in constant communication with the Filipino troopers.

He stressed that the Filipino peacekeepers are mandated to defend their positions or facilities as mandated by UN rules of engagement.

Ancan also said the Syrian rebels whom the Filipino soldiers are now in a stand-off are not part of the extremist Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) but the less radical group opposing the Syria government.

"They are not ISIS; we just consider them as anti-government forces," he pointed out.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=678037

(Update) AFP prepared for any 'eventualities' in Golan Heights stand-off

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29): (Update) AFP prepared for any 'eventualities' in Golan Heights stand-off
 
While hoping for a peaceful conclusion on the ongoing stand-off between Filipino troops and Syrian rebels at the Golan Heights, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Major Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr., said that plans and other measures are now in place in case of "eventualities."

He declined to comment on what these measures are for reasons of operational security.

"We cannot divulge this for operational security matters," Tutaan stressed.

However, the AFP spokesperson said that there is still hope that the stand-off will de-escalate.

The stand-off ensued from refusal of the Filipino contingent to surrender their weapons to Syrian rebels who encircled their position.

This took place around Thursday 10 a.m. (Syria time).

Initially, the rebels occupied the positions of the Fijians of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights and demanded that they surrender their firearms.

"However, upon surrendering their firearms, the 43 Fijian Peacekeepers were taken hostage," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Ramon Zagala earlier stressed.

Later, the Syrian rebels surrounded the Philippine contingent’s encampments with Fijian hostages in tow and demanded that the Filipino troops surrender their firearms, the AFP public affairs chief.

"The Philippine peacekeepers held their ground and demonstrated their resolve to defend their positions. They did not surrender their firearms as they may in turn be held hostage themselves. This resulted in a stand-off which is still the prevailing situation at this time as UN officials try to peacefully resolve the situation," he added.

Zagala said the Philippine government and the United Nations are in close coordination and are working together to ensure the safety and security of the Filipino troops in the stand-off.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=678106

Stand-off in Golan Heights justifies PHL decision to pullout military contingent --DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29): Stand-off in Golan Heights justifies PHL decision to pullout military contingent --DND

Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary for Defense Operations Natalio Ecarma said on Friday the ongoing stand-off between 75 Filipino peacekeepers and Syrian rebels at Golan Heights justifies the Philippine decision to repatriate its forces in the area.

"I think this incident is one of the reasons to justify our pullout as it is getting too dangerous. We are willing to help keep the peace but not to the extent of our soldiers getting killed or wounded in the firefights," he stressed.

Ecarma served in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in 2010.

"And as the President (Benigno S. Aquino III) said, 'I am the father of 100 million Filipinos and even these soldiers who are in Golan are Filipinos so I care for their safety and security', so with this new threat in a way justifies his decision to pull us out," he added.

Ecarma also expressed hope that the situation will be resolved without the use of force as the UNDOF works through negotiations and not by confrontation.

“UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his assistant secretaries are contacting, back-channeling, talking to those who are supporting these rebel groups to talk to them and make them stand down and not continue threatening our peacekeepers,” the DND official stressed.

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