By Joann Santiago
MANILA, Oct. 1 (PNA) — President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday vowed a more rigorous evaluation of the risks that Filipino soldiers will face the next time the country is asked for augmentation forces in areas of political conflicts.
This after 40 Filipino peacekeepers sent to Golan Heights were almost captured by Al-Qaida-linked rebels in their outpost last August.
The Filipino soldiers were told to surrender but they stood their ground and were able to escape but only after exchanging gun fires with the rebels for seven hours.
President Aquino, in his speech during the heroes’ welcome for the 7th Philippine Contingent to the Golan Heights held at Malacanang Wednesday, said he is now awaiting the result of the investigation conducted by the United Nations (UN) on the incident.
He explained that results of the said investigation will be the basis of the government’s future decision whether to send more forces overseas.
”Ulitin ko lang ho, hindi puwede dadalhin ang ating mga tropa habang tumutulong sa isang sitwasyon na kung saan imposible o hindi maliwanag ang misyon na kanilang ginagampanan. Importante ho ang buhay ng bawat isa,” he said.
The President said the program of sending troops to Golan Heights was made by the previous administration.
He admitted that the need to help in addressing political conflicts is important given the fact that there are lots of Filipinos overseas.
He said the government’s request for aid in anti-chemical warfare and additional military equipment have been given in return to the country’s participation in the peacekeeping activities but stressed that putting Filipino troops’ lives in danger is out of the question.
And with the bravery shown by the soldiers, the President said the whole country is very proud of them.
”Talagang nakadagdag kayo sa puri at sa dangal ng ating Inang Bayan kaya naman dapat kayong talagang pasalamatan. At sa ngalan nga ng sambayanan, ako na ho ang nagpapasalamat para sa kanilang lahat,” he said. (PNA)