PH drops in peace index ranking

From Rappler (Aug 24): PH drops in peace index ranking

Internal and external threats to peace continue to hound the Philippines, affecting its overall ranking in the 2014 Global Peace Index


  

PEACE TRENDS. The Philippines ranks 134 out of 162 countries in the 2014 Global Peace Index (GPI) prepared by the Institute for Economics and Peace. Screenshot from the GPI website

As the world became less peaceful for 7 years in a row in 2013, the Philippines also slipped in the global peace ranking.

The Philippines remains to be in the lowest quartile of the 2014 Global Peace Index prepared by the Institute for Economics and Peace, ranking 134 out of 162 countries – a drop of 5 places from 2012.

This is due the presence of both internal and external challenges to peace.

The Philippines is one of the countries found to have “notable increases in terrorist activity” in 2013, along with countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya. The index did not provide details on what these activities were.

Another factor that contributed to this result is the country's ongoing territorial dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

In 2013, the Philippines is also one of the countries with the largest discrepancy between levels of peace and democracy as the country continued to rank low in the peace index even as it exhibits “strong democratic credentials.”

The Aquino government signed a final peace accord in March with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – the biggest organized armed group in the Philippines. The agreement aims to entrench a new autonomous government in Southern Philippines with a better political and fiscal structure than the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which it will replace.

Even as the government and the MILF work towards implementing the peace accord, other armed groups, reportedly with terrorist connections, continue to exist. (READ: Philippine militants pledge allegiance to ISIS jihadists and Senior Abu Sayyaf leader swears oath to ISIS)

More than dealing with arms and law enforcement, the report said societal and political issues – such as widespread graft and corruption in government and the “patron-client nature” of political institutions must also be addressed.

The report lauded the abolition of the pork barrel system in 2013 as an “important step” towards the responsible use of personal funds and making politics “less personalized” but noted that is still “insufficient.”

Meanwhile, the report said the case filed by the Philippines against China before UNCLOS to claim parts of the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) as “risky” as it could “result in a long-term estrangement between the two sides.”

Global trend

Across the world, the index found that global peace has deteriorated since 2008, with conflict in Eastern Ukraine, the Gaza strip and Libya, among others, dominating media coverage.

How much did conflict and violence all over the world cost? A total of $9.8 trillion in damages, corresponding to 11.3% of global gross domestic product (GDP), the report said. This is equal to twice the total GDP of entire Africa.

Iceland remains to be the most peaceful country in the world. Meanwhile, Syria replaced Afghanistan at the bottom as the situation in Syria further deteriorated in 2013 while Afghanistan marked a slight improvement.

The index ranks the peace situation in each country not just by the lack of conflict, whether external or internal, but also by looking at how the country maintains and prevents conflict.

Among the factors considered are:

 

Well-functioning government

 

Sound business environment

 

Equitable distribution of resources

Acceptance of the rights of others

Good relations with neighbours

Free flow of information

High level of human capital

Low levels of corruption.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/special-coverage/peacetalks/67063-philippines-2014-global-peace-index

Communist rebels raid two Philippine plantations in one day

From Rappler (Aug 24): Communist rebels raid two Philippine plantations in one day

Communist insurgents raided two banana plantations in one day in the southern Philippines in some of their most brazen attacks for months in the face of recent setbacks


  

SHOW OF FORCE. New People's Army rebels in Compostela Valley. File photo by Karlos Manlupig

Communist insurgents raided two banana plantations in one day in the southern Philippines in some of their most brazen attacks for months in the face of recent setbacks, authorities said Sunday, August 24.

The attacks by the New People's Army (NPA) in the strife-torn island of Mindanao on Saturday caused extensive damage but no one was killed, officials added.

About 50 guerrillas raided an aircraft hangar at a plantation owned by Del Monte Philippines in the town of Tubay on Saturday evening.

"The rebels disarmed the security guards and seized their two shotguns, tied their arms... then proceeded to the hangar and poured gasoline onto the (crop-duster) plane. It took only less than thirty minutes to burn the area," said investigating police officer Jomar Ascares.

Just hours before the burning of the plane and hangar, about 60 NPA fighters raided another banana plantation in Pantukan town, disarming 10 security guards, burning a building and equipment and cutting down about 300 banana plants, said the area's police director Senior Superintendent Abraham Roxas.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, which has been waging an insurgency since 1969 that has left tens of thousands of people dead.

They are believed to have about 4,000 fighters. The figure is down from more than 26,000 in the 1980s but they remain active, raiding rural businesses and isolated police and military outposts.

The group has suffered recent losses like the death of 13 NPA fighters in a clash with a pro-government tribal leader last month and the arrest of several senior insurgent leaders earlier this year.

The attacks on the plantations were in retaliation for the companies' refusal to meet extortion demands, said a Mindanao army spokesman, Major Christian Uy.

He said the NPA fighters on the ground were becoming "desperate" to raise money because they were receiving less financial support from their superiors.

President Benigno Aquino had aimed to reach a peace deal with the communists by the end of his term in 2016.

But the government last year said talks had collapsed due to rebel demands that detained comrades be freed.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/67100-communist-rebels-raid-two-philippine-plantations-in-one-day

AUDIO | Army intel officer shot dead in QC

From InterAksyon (Aug 24): AUDIO | Army intel officer shot dead in QC

An unidentified gunman shot dead an Army intelligence officer late Saturday night on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

Police identified the victim as Roderick Antipacha. He died on the spot.

A scavenger who was sleeping near the crime site in Barangay Old Balara told police he heard a shot a little past 9 pm and was awakened from sleep.

He then saw a man sprawled on the ground, bloodied.

The witness added that he saw a dark figure of a man with a gun running away from the scene.

Probers are still investigating whether the murder was related to the intelligence officer's job.

[Audio report]

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/93908/audio--army-intel-officer-shot-dead-in-qc

Opensiba ng NPA ibinandera

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Aug 24): Opensiba ng NPA ibinandera (NPA offensive launched?)

Ibinandera kahapon ng New People’s Army ang opensiba nito sa nakaraang mga araw kontra militar at pulisya sa lalawigan ng South Cotabato sa Mindanao.

Sinabi ni Ka Efren Aksasato, ang tagapagsalita ng NPA, na isang sundalo umano ang nasawi at 6 iba pa ang sugatan sa mga serye ng atake ng rebeldeng grupo sa bayan ng Tampakan, T’boli at Lake Sebu. Inakusahan rin nito ang South Cotabato Police – Public Safety Company at ang 27th Infantry Battalion sa ilalim ni Col. Shalimar Imperial ng human rights violations at nagsisilbi umano ito bilang mga private security guards ng Sagittarius Mines Incorporated sa Tampakan.

“The PNP performs as dismantler of mass actions against the large-scale mining while the 27th Infantry Battalion is notorious for butchering anti-mining activists.  Both forces also secure the environmentally destructive quarry operations of the construction companies backed by local bureaucrats and are enjoying contracts for huge government projects.”

“Residents and farmers in Tampakan and Koronadal City have insistently been opposed to the quarry operations because of its damaging effects to their properties and means of living,” pahayag pa ni Aksasato.

Maging si South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Fuentes ay inakusahan rin ni Aksasato na siyang nasa likod ng pagpapalaganap sa diumano’y peace and development operations ng militar na isang cover sa malawakan opensiba sa lalawigan.

“Conforming to the US-Noynoy Aquino regime’s Oplan Bayanihan, the provincial government of South Cotabato headed by Gov. Daisy Fuentes facilitates the implementation of the 27th Infantry Battalion’s peace and development operations to impose the realization of the bogus developments she adamantly vaunted about in her recent state of the province address, notwithstanding the enduring agrarian problems, displacement and dispossession of the masses,” wika pa ni Aksasato.

Matagal ng nakikibaka ang NPA upang maitatag ang sariling estado sa bansa.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/08/opensiba-ng-npa-ibinandera.html

5 rebels torch agricultural aircraft in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Aug 24): 5 rebels torch agricultural aircraft in Southern Philippines



A small group of communist rebels torched an agricultural aircraft used by Del Monte Philippines in the southern province of Agusan del Norte, the army said Sunday.

It said at least 5 New People’s Army rebels torched the small aircraft, owned by Philippine Agricultural Aviation Corporation, in the village of Dona Rosario in the town of Tubay. There were no reports of casualties in Saturday raid, according to Major Christian Uy, a spokesman for the 4th Infantry Division.

Uy said the rebels escaped on two motorcycles after the attack. “Del Monte is renting the aircraft from Philippine Agricultural Aviation Corporation,” he said, adding, the attack was probably connected to a failed extortion attempt.

Del Monte has banana and pineapple plantations in southern Philippines.

There was no immediate statement from Del Monte or the NPA on the raid, but the rebel group has been fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/08/5-rebels-torch-agricultural-aircraft-in.html

Attacks on civilian targets demonstrate rebels refusal to engage in open combat -- AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Attacks on civilian targets demonstrate rebels refusal to engage in open combat -- AFP

Attacks on 'soft targets' like cargo trucks, undefended farms and plantations and in the case of Agusan Del Norte, light civilian aircraft, only demonstrates the New People's Army (NPA) refusal to engage the military in open or fair combat.

This was stressed by 4th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Ricardo Visaya Sunday.

"The enemy is resorting to attacking 'soft target', using small groups, just to get even on us," he added.

Visaya stated that he has ordered his men to keep their guard up to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Five NPA fighters earlier attacked and burned an aircraft owned and operated by the Philippine Agricultural Aviation Corporation (PAAC) at P-4, Dona Rosario, Tubay town, Agusan Del Norte Saturday night.

Major Christian Uy, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the incident took place around 7: 30 p.m.

He added that the five rebels are reportedly from the NPA's SPP21C, Guerilla Front 21, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The NPA fighters were aboard two motorcycles when they attacked the above-mentioned airfield. The two civilian guards present did not resist the rebels' incursion.

Uy said that the rebels targeted and burned one PAAC aircraft on the airfield before making their escape.

Pursuit operations are now ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=676219

Filipino Muslims recruited by jihadists worrying--Duterte

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Filipino Muslims recruited by jihadists worrying--Duterte

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is worried about the consequence when the number of Filipino Muslims reportedly trained with the Islamic State (IS) come back to the country and generate bad for compatriots as he confirmed reports recruitment by jihadists happened sometime last month.

“Naay naghung-hung nako, nay nag-adto didto naa pud mga batan-on (recruited), mga Filipino Muslim naa didto kay kung madisgrasya involve ang Filipino… maski papaano Filipino pa rin… ilang makuha ang technology pareho kaniadto sa Afghan dala dala ang technology sa Taliban (Sometime ago somebody whispered to me that Filipino Muslims went there (Iraq) including the young, and if they get into danger involving the Filipinos… they are still Filipinos…they might acquire the technology just like in the past in Afghanistan when they brought with them the technology). I am sad,” Duterte said during his Sunday Program Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa.

Duterte however said he is not condemning anybody for choosing to be there although “I am worried for them…I just hope they are there to fight for religious principle and not hatred and leave (Iraq) that way there.”< p>The mayor’s confirmation came on the heels of reports that about 100 Filipino Muslims from Mindanao are undergoing training with IS in Iraq. No less than former president Fidel Ramos revealed the information that members of the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are trained by IS.

Duterte said he was told of the same information sometime last month but he was not sure of the number. He was also wondering what the dimensions are if true that BIFF has pledged allegiance to IS.

According to Duterte, the consequence of undergoing training would pose danger to Filipino compatriots once they come back bringing with them a principle fueled by hatred.

I always have high respects on principle and religious values but if fueled by hatred it is difficult. I hope it will not generate something bad for us. They will not bring the technology of terror, Duterte emphasized.

Duterte pointed out that it is different if the objective is driven by religious principle “Islam is a guide for human being,” he said.

In an interview with ANC last week, Ramos was quoted as saying that the information reached them (retired people) that young Filipino Muslims have already infiltrated Iraq to undergo training to return and be jihadists or militants.

According to Ramos, the Abu Sayyaf has been encouraged by the success of IS, which recently declared an Islamic caliphate in its controlled areas in Iraq and Syria. It has been reportedly responsible for the atrocities in some parts of Iraq, resulting even in beheading of some people, mass execution and the taking of child brides.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=676243

Army (detachment commander) dies in Northern Samar ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Army (detachment commander) dies in Northern Samar ambush

A detachment commander of the 52nd Infantry (AGILA) Battalion was killed Friday when the ‘habal-habal’ he was riding on was flagged down by some 15 to 20 members of the New People’ Army (NPA) some 150 meters away from San Pascual village in Catarman, Northern Samar.

The Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) in a statement disclosed that the victim SSg Marciano Padilla was on his way back to the detachment when the incident happened.

The killing happened three days after the National Democratic Front of the Philippines – Eastern Visayas through its spokesperson Santiago Salas urged revolutionaries to pursue revolutionary actions against the government, said Lt. Colonel Erwin A. Alea, OIC DPAO chief.

The 8th ID, according to Alea, is saddened by the incident adding that they salute the dedication and patriotism of Padilla.

He said that the incident only proved that the CPP-NPA-NDF (CNN) has no intention of following the agreements stipulated in the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL), which it signed together with the government of the Philippines.

Meantime on the same day, government troops under the 34th Infantry Battalion (34th IB) assigned in Catubig, Northern Samar were involved in a firefight against suspected members of NPA.

The troops were providing security to barangay officials of Osang village along with social workers, community volunteers in conducting a feeding program to 22 pupils of Osang Elementary School, Barangay Osang, Catubig, Northern Samar.

The soldiers were fired upon by more or less five armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who positioned themselves about 100 meters from the school.

The soldiers managed to immediately secure the pupils and civilians to a safe place while returning fire at the NPA.

The NPAs withdrew after almost 10 minute’s firefight; no one was hurt in the incident.

The attack during the feeding program only showed the other party’s total disregard of the agreement that civilians should be distinguished from combatants and shall not be the object of attacks, the DPAO official said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=676271

Army, cops deployed in SK town following death of farmer

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Army, cops deployed in SK town following death of farmer

Police and military authorities have been deployed in a remote village of Sultan Kudarat province following a shooting incident that sent people fleeing Saturday.

Soldiers from the Army Special Forces Battalion and policemen backed by militiamen were deployed in the village of Maindang, Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat after a farmer belonging to a huge clan was shot dead.

Senior Inspector Melvin Balba, Lutayan PNP police chief, said Oscar Gayak, a farmer, was shot dead right in his own home by the suspect later identified as Carali Mama, also a farmer.

Both belonged to Muslim clans identified with Moro rebel groups.

Quoting a police report, Balba said Mama armed with a hand gun arrived at Gayak’s house at about 4 p.m. and the two had a conversation.

Minutes later a guns shot was heard followed by Mama fleeing hurriedly.

Balba said the two had been locked in a long standing family feud locally known as “rido.”

Afraid relatives of Gayak would retaliate, several families have left the village and moved toward the town center to avoid getting trapped should warring clans clash.

Balba said the government forces will only serve as peacekeepers to prevent the escalation of the armed conflict.

Lutayan is about 40 kilometers north of Tacurong City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=676277

House body approves mandatory three years civilian life for military officers prior to appointment as DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): House body approves mandatory three years civilian life for military officers prior to appointment as DND chief

The House Committee on National Defense and Security has reported out for floor deliberation a measure prohibiting the appointment of a commissioned officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) within three years after relief, separation or retirement from active duty.

House Bill No. 2 amends Section 45 of Chapter 10 Book IV of Executive Order 292, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987.

It was principally sponsored by Rep. Rodolfo Biazon (Lone District, Muntinlupa City), chairman of the House Committee on National Defense, and co-authored by Reps. Ferdinand Hernandez (2nd District, South Cotabato), and Joaquin M. Chipeco Jr. (2nd District, Laguna).

Administrative Code of 1987 provides for the general qualifications and limitations required of all department secretaries, in addition to those prescribed in their respective charters.

In the case of the Secretary of the Department of National Defense, Biazon, former Armed Forces Chief of Staff, stressed the need to emphasize further the supremacy of civilian authority over the military.

“By prohibiting a former military officer from being appointed within three years after relief from active duty, the position will be shielded from controversies arising from appointments, assignments, and other activities within the AFP,” Biazon said.

“By having no prior personal and professional relationships with the officers, the Secretary of National Defense would be more objective and impartial in policy formulation and determination,” Biazon added.

The prohibition shall also afford the former military officer sufficient time to adapt to civilian life, according to Biazon.

Among the former military officers who lived a civilian life for several years before serving as the Secretary of National Defense were the late President Ramon Magsaysay (Sept. 1, 1950 to Feb. 28, 1953 and January to May 1954); Macario Peralta Jr. (1962-65); Rafael M. Ileto (1986-1988), and Voltaire T. Gazmin (July 1, 2010 to present).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=676143

Soldier killed in NPA attack in Northern Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Soldier killed in NPA attack in Northern Samar

Troopers from the Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division are now tracking down the New People's Army (NPA) fighters who treacherously shot and killed a soldier in Catarman, Northern Samar last Aug. 22.

In a report on Sunday, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson Lt. Col. Erwin Alea identified the slain trooper as S/Sgt. Marciano Padilla, Barangay San Pascual detachment commander and assigned to the 52nd Infantry Battalion.

Alea said that the victim was aboard a "habal-habal" (motorcycle-for-hire) and headed toward his detachment when 15 to 20 NPA rebels flagged the vehicle at around 12 noon.

After shooting the motorcycle, the rebels immediately fired on Padilla, killing the latter instantly.

"The incident only proves that the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) has no intentions of following the agreements stipulated in the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL) which they signed together with the Government of the Philippines," Alea said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=676155

Rebels strafe feeding program in Northern Samar; no one hurt

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Rebels strafe feeding program in Northern Samar; no one hurt

The Philippine Army's Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division condemned on Sunday the New People's Army (NPA) for firing at innocent civilians, mostly students, participating in a feeding program in Northern Samar last Friday.

Reports forwarded by Lt. Col. Erwin Alea, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the incident took place at the Osang Elementary School in Barangay Osang, Catubig town, Northern Samar.

He added that their 34th Infantry Battalion and its attached "Bayanihan" teams along with social workers and community volunteers were conducting a feeding program for 22 students when five rebels fired from their hidden positions 100 meters away from the school.

Government forces immediately retaliated and quickly secured the civilians present.

After a 10-minute firefight, the NPAs, believed sustaining an undetermined number of casualties, retreated.

No one among the civilians and troopers conducting the feeding program was hurt.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing to track down the rebels, Alea said.

Meanwhile, in line with its efforts to further professionalize its personnel, the Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division conducted a three-day gender sensitivity training at its multi-purpose hall on Aug. 21 to 23.

The objective of the training was for the participants to enhance their knowledge on respect and equality for both men and women in the uniformed service, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson Lt. Col. Erwin Alea said.

"Furthermore, the training aims to promote advocacy to the participants on equal rights, opportunities and responsibilities that will greatly contribute to the overall success of the Army’s mandated mission as protectors of our country and people," he added.

A total of 159 officers and enlisted personnel participated in the three-day affair.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=676156

Rebels burn civilian aircraft in Agusan del Norte town

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Rebels burn civilian aircraft in Agusan del Norte town

Five New People's Army (NPA) fighters burned an aircraft owned and operated by the Philippine Agricultural Aviation Corporation (PAAC) at P-4, Dona Rosario, Tubay, Agusan del Norte Saturday night.

Major Christian Uy, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the incident took place at around 7:30 p.m.

He added that the five rebels were believed to be from the NPA's SPP21C, Guerrilla Front 21, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The NPA fighters were aboard two motorcycles when they attacked the airfield and burned one PACC aircraft before making their escape.

Pursuit operations are now ongoing, Uy said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=676185

PHL to withdraw 446 peacekeepers in Liberia,, Golan Heights

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): PHL to withdraw 446 peacekeepers in Liberia,, Golan Heights

The Philippines is pulling out its 446 peacekeepers in Liberia and Golan Heights, citing threats to their health and safety, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday.

There are 115 Filipinos serving under the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia and 331 in Golan Heights.

In a statement, DFA spokesman Charles Jose said the government was compelled to pull out its peacekeeping force in Liberia as soon as possible “because of the risk factor from Ebola which has the potential of being catastrophic.”

With regard to Golan Heights, Jose said “there has been a series of incidents involving our peacekeepers which have demonstrated that they are exposed to unexpected serious risks which may worsen on the basis of current developments.”

“In the case of Golan heights, the UN has been aware over time that the Philippines has been carefully assessing the evolving situation,” Jose said.

It has also been established that “there is a greater need for our soldiers to be in the Philippines,” he noted.

Filipino peacekeepers have been in Liberia for 10 years since 2004 and in Golan heights for five years since 2009.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=676214

DND amenable to redeployment of PHL contingents in Golan Heights, Liberia should situation stabilizes

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): DND amenable to redeployment of PHL contingents in Golan Heights, Liberia should situation stabilizes
 
Should the situation stabilize for the better at the Golan Heights and Liberia, the Department of National Defense (DND) is amenable to the deployment of Filipino troops for peacekeeping purposes there.

This was stressed by DND spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Reuben Galvez on Sunday.

"We are committed to our peacekeeping commitment (to the United Nations) but if the threat level is going beyond certain level, the Philippines can disengage," he added.

Galvez said that the Philippines cannot be faulted for repatriating its troops, especially in the Golan Heights, as Japan, Croatia, and Austria, pulled their forces there in 2013 when the threat level went up.

"When shooting started in Syria, we told the United Nations we can stay there as long our troops are given adequate force protection equipment like bullet-proofed vests and armored personnel carriers to ensure their protection. However, the situation there now is that our forces there are getting frequently caught in the crossfires and sometimes, our vehicles are being hit by shrapnel from shells fired by the combatants. The situation is getting more volatile to the point that our soldiers could get killed there, and we can tell the UN that the situation is now beyond our threat level," the DND spokesperson stressed.

The Filipino contingents in Golan Heights and Liberia are scheduled to be pulled out before the end of the year.

"Amidst the volatile security environment in the Middle East and North African region, the Philippines prioritizes the safety and security of its troops, but remains committed to the peacekeeping missions of the United Nations," the DND said earlier.

The 331-strong Filipino contingent serving as part of the United Nations Disengagement Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights is scheduled to be repatriated at the end of their tour of duty in October.

Galvez said it is important to note that the Philippines sustained its contingent in UNDOF amidst the withdrawal of other troop-contributing countries as the conflict in Syria intensified in 2013.

"Meanwhile, in light of the rising health risk posed by the outbreak of Ebola virus in Africa, the Filipino troops deployed to the UN Mission in Liberia will also be repatriated as soon as possible," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=676229