Over 320 PHL army personnel to be deployed to Golan Heights

Over 320 members of the core group of an Army battalion were deployed for United Nations peacekeeping operations in the troubled Golan Heights. The send-off rites for the 327-man contingent led by Col. Cornelio Valencia was held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday. AFP vice chief Lt. Gen Reynaldo Mapagu represented AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Oban during the send-off rites. This is the first time in recent years that a core group of an army battalion — the 76th Infantry Battalion (IB) — will be sent as UN peacekeepers. In the past, peacekeepers were picked randomly from various military units. AFP public affairs office chief Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said the battalion under Valencia was chosen for the peacekeeping mission “for its remarkable achievements." “One of their most significant accomplishments is clearing the southern part of Quezon of New People’s Army Guerilla Front 42," Burgos explained. Integrity and competitiveness “This is the first time in AFP’s history that a core Battalion from a major service is sent to the United Nations for peace keeping operations. This idea is to send a core group to emphasize unit integrity and enhance competitiveness with foreign contingents," Valencia said. “The unit mastered its peace, development and environmental campaigns that gave it an outstanding reputation to the different stakeholders in its former area of responsibility," he added. The contingent of Valencia will be replacing peacekeepers presently deployed in Golan Height who have completed their six-month tour of duty in Golan Heights. The team will depart in three batches beginning on May 6. Mapagu read a prepared statement of Oban, who was at a meeting in Malacañang. In his message, Oban said that he is optimistic that the contingent of Valencia will do well “in maintaining peace and stability in that area (Golan Heights)." “My only reminder to all of you, as representatives of the Philippines and the Filipino people to Golan Heights, is that in everything you do, do it with utmost care so as not to tarnish the name and the image of our country," Oban’s message said. “I also urge you to observe proper decorum and etiquette whenever you perform your duties as members of the UN peacekeepers and in socializing with our foreign nationals. And continue to be strong advocates of the UN’s policy of zero tolerance to SEA (Sex Exploitation and Abuse) cases," Oban said. Ten officers from the 76th IB, including Valencia, and 159 enlisted personnel will make up the peacekeeping force. Burgos said the rest of the peacekeeping force will include 39 other officers and 119 enlisted men from the other units of the army. - VVP, GMA News