RP to send 133 police peacekeepers to East Timor

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will be sending 133 policemen to serve as peacekeepers in East Timor. East Timor, officially known as the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, is a Southeast Asian country that torn by internal conflict since it gained full independence from Indonesia in 2002. The United Nations has asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) to send additional personnel to help keep order in the fledgling state. “This will be the third batch, they will serve there for one year as part of our commitment to the international community," said PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa. He said the 133 policemen, to be headed by Senior Superintendent Ulpiano Lopez, were selected based on their expertise, including the usual law enforcement duties and governance. Versoza said the cops are set to leave within theweek to replace the second batch of PNP personnel who have just ended their tour of duty. The extension of duty abroad, he said, is no longer allowed to give chance to others. He said those deployed in East Timor will be receiving an allowance of $128 per day in addition to their regular salary. In a speech, he told the officers to give their best in fulfilling their duties. “You should always wear uniform as snappy as we see you now, live up to the standard that we have set and you will not go wrong," he said. The Philippines was among the first to express its support for Timor Leste when it gained full independence from Indonesia. The two countries are the only predominantly Catholic countries in Asia. - Kimberly Jane Tan, GMANews.TV