Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
01 October 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the welcome ceremony for the members of the 7th Philippine Contingent to the Golan Heights (PCGH) held in Malacañang.

In his brief remarks, the President underscored the significant roles of each Filipino soldier participating in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force. “Hindi pwedeng 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 bawa’t isa,” he said.

And in recognition of these peacekeepers, President Aquino handed out medals to officers and individuals who exemplified outstanding courage in the field. One of the recipients was the former National Contingent Commander of the 7th PCGH, Col. Ezra James Enriquez.

“Tulad nung pagreresolba dun sa Zamboanga crisis, ito ngang sa labas ng ating mga bakuran talagang pinakita na naman niyo ang gilas ng Pilipino,” the Commander-in-Chief stated.

The UN Peacekeeping Force from the Philippines returned to the country a few days ago after defending a UN base which was then surrounded by about 100 Syrian rebels. Despite having been forced to give up their arms, these Filipino peacekeepers stood their ground and when the opportunity arose, they managed to get past the rebel’s encirclement, a strategy now popularly known as “the great escape”.

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