21 freed Pinoy peacekeepers in Syria ready to finish duty – AFP


The 21 Filipino peacekeepers who were freed last week after being held hostage by Syrian rebels are ready to return to Golan Heights to finish their duties, the spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Monday.
 
In a television interview, Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said the released peacekeepers are all “in good shape” and have not expressed intention to go back to the Philippines yet. He said the soldiers are scheduled to finish their tours of duty in Syria in three to four months.
 
“Malaking bagay ang mismong sasabihin ng ating peacekeepers. Lagi nating iko-consider iyan. According sa pinakamataas nating opisyal doon na 'yung sumalubong sa ating peacekeepers, wala namang nagsasabi na gusto nilang umuwi na,” Burgos said in an interview over GMA News TV's “News To Go.”
 
He added that the AFP is already facilitating the opening of communication lines between the freed soldiers and their respective families.
 
Last Saturday, the 21 Filipino peacekeepers were freed in Jordan two days after they were seized by Syrian rebels, who are currently engaged in a civil war against forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Burgos added that the peacekeepers will return to the United Nations Disengagement Force headquarters in Golan Heights in the coming days to undergo debriefing.
 
“Hinihintay na lang ang documentation ng kanilang travel papers and they will go back to their headquarters at doon isasagawa ang debriefing. Lahat ng resulta ng examinations na ito ay malaki ang maibibigay na factors kung sila ay mananatili sa peacekeeping missions,” he said.
 
He added that the AFP is already conducting a review of the protocols in peacekeeping operations to further ensure the safety of the more than 600 Filipino peacekeepers deployed in conflict areas around the world. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News

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