PHL reaffirms commitment to UN peacekeeping ops

The Philippines has reaffirmed its commitment to keep its engagement to the peacekeeping operations of the United Nations.

"We renew our commitment to the Declaration of Shared Commitments on UN Peacekeeping Operations along the Action for Peacekeeping or A4P initiative," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenza said in his speech during the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting on Uniformed Capabilities, Performance, and Protection in New York on Friday.

The Defense chief said the Philippine government "will continue to ensure that our pledges under the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System are met."

"Since 1963, the Philippines has never wavered or faltered in its commitment to peacekeeping missions," Lorenzana said.

The Defense chief told UN Secretary General António Guterres and government ministers around the world that the Philippines is ready to increase its engagement in peacekeeping operations.

"The Philippine Government has decided to allow the deployment of military and police personnel area in any area, regardless of the security threat level," Lorenzana said.

"Our government is committed to make available all necessary resources for peacekeeping operations within the agreed response time," he said.

"Our Armed Forces is currently enhancing capabilities in support of future peacekeeping deployments," he added.

The Philippines also welcomes the establishment of clear performance standards and assessments based on regular performance evaluations of peacekeeping units by the UN Department of Peace Operations.

"This year, the Philippines has 90 Military Observers and Peacekeeping Staff; one Force Headquarters Support Unit; and one Aeromedical Evacuation Team to the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System," the Defense chief said.

The Philippines joins the UN in calling for more female peacekeepers to enhance the holistic approach to peacekeeping operations, Lorenzana said.

"More skilled and trained female peacekeepers are vital to the success of peacekeeping operations. The Philippines commits to deploy more female peacekeepers in the future," he said.

"Finally, the Philippines maintains its position that success in peacekeeping operations must be measured by how well we protect civilians, especially children, and the prevention of sexual exploitation abuse. In this regard, the Philippines supports the Vancouver Principles, especially in the prevention of child recruitment in conflict areas," he said.

The Defense chief also assured the UN that Philippine personnel observe very strict standards of conduct and behavior in the performance of their peacekeeping duties.

"We have also adopted a more stringent criteria in the selection of peacekeeping candidates," Lorenzana said.

"The Philippines stands in solidarity with the community of nations in fostering shared responsibility for the success of peacekeeping operations," he said. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News