AFP sends off new batch of peacekeeping soldiers to Liberia and Haiti

By Ronron
January 22, 2008

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership sent off on Tuesday morning over 300 of its personnel who will perform peacekeeping duties in Liberia and Haiti under the United Nations program.

AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., who led the send-off ceremony, said the contingent to Liberia consists of 164 personnel, while those for Haiti is 154-strong. They will replace the contingents in said countries that will end their six-month tour of duty.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is proud that we have once again shown our firm resolve to contribute in preserving global peace and security by sending the ninth Philippine contingent to Libera and the seventh Philippine contingent to Haiti,” Esperon said in a speech.

He said the contingent for Liberia will be under Col. Narciso Alamag, while the contingent for Haiti will be led by Col. Rodrigo Diapana.

Alamag said the troops for Liberia will leave in two batches on January 23 and February 6, while Diapana said his team will leave on January 30.

Esperon said the Filipino soldiers should be able to contribute to establishing peace and order in Liberia and Haiti, and take advantage, at the same time, of the experience for professional growth.

Esperon noted that in Haiti, there is still some form of anarchy, while Liberia is still in the reconstruction and rebuilding phase.

“On your shoulders rest our nation’s high expectations that not only you will perform your duties as the so-called Blue Helmets under the command of the United Nations but most importantly, as Filipino ambassadors of goodwill who will extend friendshp and commitment to peace on behalf of a grateful Filipino people,” Epseron said./DMS