RP asked to extend stay of at least 10 troops in Golan Heights

The Philippines has been requested to extend the assignments of at least 10 military police personnel assigned at the disputed border between Israel and Syria. The request to extend their stay to one year from six months is awaiting the approval of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Deputy Presidential Spokesman Gary Olivar said, citing information from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The request has been made by the United Nations but the United Nations Information Office (UNIO) has yet to receive "any request from the Philippine Mission in New York on the extension of the entire contingent to Golan Heights," Olivar said on Friday. "They received request for extension of 10 military police from six months to one year, which they forwarded to AFP for approval," he added. The tour of duty of 326 Filipino military personnel assigned at Golan Heights is set to end on June 30. The more than 1000-strong UN Disengagement Observers Forces (UNDOF) is headed by Philippine Marine Major General Natalio Encarma. "As always, the requests will be duly considered in a matter that would hopefully be supportive of the UN in its peacekeeping mission and ensuring peace in conflict areas," Olivar said. Earlier, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon sought UN Security Council approval to extend the term of the UNDOF until December 31. - RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV