Philippines won’t pull out Golan peacekeepers, Manila says

Filipino peacekeepers will remain on the border between Syria and Israel, provided they are equipped with heavier weapons and better protection, the country’s president said Friday.

Fears have arisen over the last several months that the 340 Filipino members of the UNDOF peacekeeping force would follow several other countries in pulling out of the border area, which has turned into a battle zone as Syria’s civil war has raged.

In a statement quoted by AFP, Filipino Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said President Benigno Aquino would shoot down a proposal to withdraw troops from the region, pending better security.

“Subject to meeting considerations which the Philippines has made to enhance the security and safety of our peacekeepers, the president has expressed the Philippines is prepared to continue its UNDOF participation,” the statement read.

Del Rosario said the troops would remain in place at least until August 11, when their situation would be reassessed.

The force, put in place in 1974 as a buffer protection between the two warring states, has recently been depleted as Japan, Croatia and Austria have pulled out, leaving only 530 Filipino and Indian troops caught in the crossfire between rebel and regime troops in Syria. Troops from Fiji are expected to be deployed to make up for some of the loss.

A number of Filipino troops have been kidnapped by rebel groups over the past year, usually being released after several days. UN documents show that rebel groups looking for equipment have raided posts manned by UNDOF troops, many of whom are armed only with a pistol.

The UN Security Council extended the force’s mandate last week, and endorsed a call by UN chief Ban Ki-moon to provide the troops with better protection. On Monday, Ban said he was “concerned” over the deteriorating situation and called for Europe to provide more troops for the force.