Pinoy peacekeepers in Golan Heights receive UN medals

The latest batch of Filipino peacekeepers – the fifth contingent – in the Golan Heights continued to do the Philippines proud as they were given United Nations medals for their valuable service. A news release of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Friday said the peacekeepers received their medals Thursday, barely three months after being deployed in the area under the UN Disengagement Observer Force (DOF). "The awarding of medals to contingents in the Golan Heights is symbolic and a token of appreciation given by the UN to contingents for their contribution to the maintenance of peace and security in the region," the DFA said. Lt. Col. Ramon Estella, commanding officer of the Philippine battalion, led his troops during the medal parade. Philippine Ambassador to Israel Generoso Calonge and Maj. Gen. Natalio Ecarma III, head of mission and UNDOF force commander, were special guests at the ceremony. Contingent commanders of contributing states to UNDOF, liaison officers of the Israel Defense Force, and members of the Filipino community in Israel were also present during the parade. The Philippine contingent is part of the peacekeeping force composed of troops coming from Austria, Canada, Croatia, India, and Japan. The UN Security Council tasked these troops to maintain the ceasefire and supervise the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces in the so-called areas of separation and limitation between the two parties. In his speech, Estella congratulated the recipients of the UN medal and said it should serve as their inspiration to work even harder. Estella urged his team to continue displaying world-class professionalism at all times. He and his team assumed command in February 2012, and will finish their tour of duty by August 2012. For his part, Calonge said their assignment is a rare duty and distinct privilege given to a unique few. “Your presence here is a testament of our commitment to the UN as one of the founding nations of this international organization,” he said. “Always remember that you stand on the foundation built by the previous contingents and that as you fulfill your duties and responsibilities in UNDOF, you also build upon that foundation for other forthcoming Philippine Contingents,” he added. For his part, Ecarma, the first Filipino general in UNDOF, reminded the contingent to protect the image of the Philippines in the host country. He reminded them they represent no less than the entire Filipino nation. Ecarma also congratulated the Philippine contingent, saying the medals show the UN's appreciation for their selfless act and courage to maintain stability in the area. He told them to keep up the good work. The DFA said the deployment of Philippine troops in the Golan Heights, especially amid the 2011 Arab spring, is a challenge and a test to their courage and endurance. It said the troops have maintained the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the performance of their responsibility in their areas of operation. "The Philippines is not new in peacekeeping operations. Despite its limited resources, the it steadfastly maintains its commitments to the UN as one of its founding members," it said. It added the Philippines has sent peacekeeping troops since the 1950s, including in Korea, Congo, Afghanistan, Burundi, Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, Darfur, Georgia, Haiti, Iraq, Liberia, Kashmir, Kosovo, Nepal, Sudan, and Timor Leste. — LBG, GMA News