MANILA: The Philippines condemned the kidnapping of four Filipino peacekeepers in the Golan Heights in Syria.
The government called on all parties concerned to effect the immediate and safe release of the four Filipino peacekeepers.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said: “The Philippines underscores that the apprehension and illegal detention of peacekeepers are gross violations of international law.
“As it continues to work closely with partners and stakeholders on this matter, the Philippines calls on the United Nations Security Council to exert all efforts and use its influence for the early and safe release of the Filipino peacekeepers and ensure that the freedom of movement and safety and security of peacekeepers in all UN peacekeeping missions are observed.”
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also strongly condemned the detention and called for the peacekeepers’ immediate release.
DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario talked to UN Undersecretary-General Herv Ladsous on Tuesday night to coordinate efforts for the early and safe release of the Filipino soldiers.
“UN is exerting efforts to contact and negotiate for the immediate release of the peacekeepers,” he said, adding, “There is heavy fighting in the area.”
The Philippines has deployed 800 troops in eight UN peacekeeping missions. It has 343 soldiers at the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.
In a press briefing, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said: “We join the condemnation of the abduction of the four Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights. We would like to underscore that the detention – not just because they’re Filipinos, but of peacekeepers, in general – is against international laws. We have called upon the stakeholders as well as the UN Security Council to secure the immediate release and ensure the safety of the four.”
President Aquino is being apprised on the review, Valte said, adding that the latest kidnapping of Filipino soldiers will have an impact on the review.
Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Domingo Tutaan said the DFA is directly handling the case of the four kidnapped Filipino peacekeepers in coordination with the UNDOF.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR
