Militants fighting the Syrian army have detained
43 U.N. peacekeepers in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and trapped another
75 Filipinos in the region, and the world body is working to secure their
release, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday.
Syrian militants occupied the camp of 43 Fijian
peacekeepers at the UN Disengagement Force (UNDOF) at around 10 a.m. Syrian
time (3 p.m. in the Philippines). They demanded that the Fijian
peacekeepers surrender their firearms. Upon surrendering their firearms, the 43
Fijian soldiers were taken hostage.
The Syrian anti-government forces then surrounded
the Philippine peacekeepers' camps and also demanded the surrender of firearms.
But according to Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs chief, Philippine
peacekeepers held their ground and demonstrated their resolve to defend their
positions. They did not surrender their firearms as they may in turn be held
hostage themselves.
Meanwhile, Philippine officials remain optimistic
that the hostage crisis will be resolved peacefully but are nevertheless
prepared for any eventuality.
The military believes that the 75 Filipino
peacekeepers surrounded by Syrian rebels in Golan Heights are sufficiently
armed and are ready to defend themselves if necessary.
Colonel Roberto Ancan, chief of the Armed Forces
Peacekeeping Operations Center, said the Filipino troops are equipped with M4
assault rifles, M60 light machineguns, K3 squad automatic weapons and cal. 45
pistols and "sufficient ammunition to defend themselves."
"Our
soldiers are prepared, trained and capable of dealing with these situations and
will take risks to fulfill our commitment to international security and
peace," Armed Forces spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said in a
press briefing.
"The
peacekeeping contingent has the right to defend its position and the units in
line with the UN (United Nations) protocols and rules of engagement," he
added.
Ancan said the
75 Filipino troops who are surrounded by the rebels are occupying two positions
that are about four kilometers apart. A total of 40 peacekeepers are in
position 68 while 35 others are in position 69.
"There was
no actual firefight that happened since this issue or this incident escalated.
There was no direct contact or engagement with the anti-government armed
elements of Syria and our forces," Ancan said.
Tutaan said the Filipino troops are in good
condition despite the standoff. He said efforts are underway to ensure the
safety of the contingent members.
