Filipino peacekeepers in the Golan Heights were prepared to defend their positions against Syrian rebels as UN officials worked to end the standoff, the Philippine military said Friday.
Seventy-five Filipino soldiers, located in two positions in the separation zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, had refused to give up their arms, said spokesman Major General Domingo Tutaan.
“Our soldiers are prepared, trained and capable of dealing with these situations and will take risks to fulfil our commitment to international security and peace,” he said.
“We are in direct communication with our peacekeepers and the UN force headquarters in the Golan Heights as options and contingency plans are being drawn and considered,” he added.
The Philippines has a total of 331 soldiers and police officers deployed with the UN Disengagement Force in the Golan Heights.
The Syrian rebels had disarmed and captured 43 Fijian peacekeepers in the area separating Syria and Israel. The United Nations said Thursday it was working to secure their release.
Manila earlier announced it was recalling Filipino forces at the end of their tour of duty in October.
Accra , Aug 29, GNA –
