5th PHL contingent to Golan Heights assumes command

The fifth Philippine Peacekeeping Contingent to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Golan Heights formally assumed its post, replacing the 76th Infantry "Victrix" Battalion that recently ended its nine-month tour of duty.

 

Lt. Col. Cornelio Valencia Jr., head of the fourth contingent, turned over command to his successor Lt. Col. Ramon Estella in a simple ceremony at Camp Ziouani in the Golan Heights on February 16.

 

"UNDOF Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Natalio Ecarma III, facilitated the ceremonial signing of documents marking the formal assumption of Lt. Col. Estella as the new Philippine Battalion Commanding Officer," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a news release.

 

Estella and the new battalion are expected to operate in the Golan Heights for the next six months.  

 

The deployment of Philippine troops in the Golan Heights is part of the country's international commitment to the UN.

 

In 2009, the Philippines began sending troops in the region when the Polish contingent relinquished its command to the Philippines to assume another peacekeeping operation. Words of encouragement

 

In his farewell speech, Valencia thanked UNDOF, his fellow contingent commanders and the Filipino community in Israel for the trust and confidence they have extended to him.

 

He acknowledged that the soldiers of the previous batch — the 4th contingent — whose tour of duty was extended by three months.

 

On the other hand, Estella said he would endeavor to equal, if not surpass, the accomplishments made by the outgoing battalion.

 

"Leading the battalion especially during these trying times is not an easy task," he said.

 

"Our presence here today is a tribute to our men and women in uniform, who are at the forefront of the Philippines' prominent role in international peacekeeping," Calonge said during his speech.

 

"As a founding member of the United Nations, we take pride in active participation in its endeavors. As such, therefore, I am certain that, along with the Philippine flag, you will wear the UN colors with distinctive pride, as you are fully aware that your country is one of the foundations of this great international organization," he added. - VVP, GMA News