Army commander visits Pinoy peacekeepers in Syria

Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz visited Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights in strife-torn Syria on September 12. In a statement, the Philippine Army said Ortiz visited the troops of the 4th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights (4PCGH), stationed at the borders of Israel and Syria. For the first time in its history, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sent a whole battalion for peacekeeping mission in Syria. The Philippine Contingent to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights — composed of the members of the Army’s 76th Infantry Battalion — formally assumed command on May 15. The contingent is composed of 49 officers and 278 enlisted personnel. Col. Cornelio H. Valencia, the Commanding Officer of the 76th IB is also the Contingent Commander of the 4th Philippine Contingent in Golan Heights. The AFP said Ortiz wanted to boost the soldiers' morale and gather feedbacks to improve the Army’s performance in peacekeeping missions. Those who met Ortiz included Major General Natalio C Ecarma III, whose tour of duty as United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) Commander was extended by the United Nations in June. Ortiz, who is set to retire on November, also visited various units of the Philippine Army. Ortiz is one of the living recipients of the prestigious Medal for Valor award. OFWS in Syria Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said over 500 Filipinos in tension-filled Syria have expressed interest in being repatriated to the Philippines. A DFA news release said relatives may call the following numbers: From 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., they may call hotlines 834-4617 to 24, aside from the previous numbers 834-3245 and 834-3240. From 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., the numbers 834-3333 and 834-4997 are open to accept calls. Filipinos in Syria may call the Philippine Embassy in Damascus at the dedicated hotline numbers to seek assistance and information from the Embassy: +96311-6132626 +96311-2176214 +96399-0270464 Queries and request for assistance may also be sent via text at: +639275768621 +639158445546 Filipinos may also email their queries and concerns at dfa.repat@gmail.com or pe.damascus@gmail.com. - VVP, GMA News