AFP to deploy peacekeepers to strife-storn Haiti

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will deploy an all-Navy “Fleet Marine" contingent to conduct peacekeeping operations in Haiti. In a news release posted on its website, the AFP said the contingent will leave the Philippines on September 20. The group will be staying in Haiti for six months to conduct peacekeeping operations and humanitarian relief, the AFP said. A send-off ceremony for the 14th Philippine Contingent to Haiti (14th PCH) was held on September 12. Col. George Fernandez of the Philippine Navy, Marines, will lead the 155-strong contingent composed of 143 enlisted personnel and 12 officers. “I will successfully accomplish this noble mission by employing our most important assets who are specialized, disciplined, competent and highly trained personnel to perform administrative and logistics services in support to the mandate of the MINUSTAH," Fernandez said. "Thus, throughout the duration of mission the UN and AFP Code of Conduct shall be strictly adhered to at all times to maintain the highest level of self- esteem and behavioral attitude," he added. - VVP, GMA News