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Friday, May 10, 2013

The Philippine government on Friday (05/10/2013), said it would likely withdraw its troops from the UN peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights because of safety concern



The Philippine government on Friday (05/10/2013), said it would likely withdraw its troops from the UN peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights because of safety concerns.

The statement comes after members of Philippine troops back into abductees.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said he has given recommendations to President Benigno Aquino to pull about 300 personnel Filipino troops in the Golan.

However, Del Rosario said, the final decision about the withdrawal of Philippine troops entirely in the hands of President Aquino.

"Once he agreed, then we will withdraw troops as soon as possible," said Del Rosario told reporters.

On Tuesday (07.05.2013), four UN peacekeeping personnel from Philippine rebel group abducted Syrian Golan Heights. The incident just two months after the 21 Filipino soldiers Syrian rebels kidnapped four days.

"People who kidnap our soldiers actually besieged. They use our soldiers as a shield so that they can get out of the difficulty," said Del Rosario.

"The government does not want to harm its citizens again," said Del Rosario.

Furthermore, Del Rosario added that he understood that before withdrawing its troops, the Philippines must notify the plan three months before the withdrawal is done.

"However, under certain conditions, when the lives of our citizens in danger, then we will try to ask the United Nations to allow them to leave early," added Del Rosario.

UN peace observer force in Golan (UNDOF) has been tasked since 1974 to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Syria.

Ceasefire zone has become dangerous territory as Syrian rebels and government troops fought in the area.

UNDOF measuring 1,000 military and civilian personnel from Austria, India, Morocco, Moldova, and the Philippines.

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