In a video conference with the
Philippine contingent in Golan Heights, Catapang admitted that while the
retreat of the 40 peacekeepers may affect the relations between the Philippine
military and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, the safety of the
troops would prevail.
“It can affect the relations, but
they should understand that the safety of our soldiers prevails above else,”
Catapang said. “During the rules of engagement, our national policy prevails.”
Catapang said that there shall be
no sacrificial from Filipino peacekeepers in exchange for Figans.
“The UNDOF commander was very
indecisive, he wants to save the Fijians at the expense of the Filipinos,”
Catapang said. “He wants the Filipinos to surrender their firearms.”
“We do not surrender our firearms,
it’s more than just a symbol, it’s our honor.”
AFP Peacekeeping Operations Center
Chief, Colonel Roberto Ancan, seconded Catapang, saying that the country’s
interest would always prevail over any situation.
“We can do that as a troop
contributing country our national interest would always prevail over the
situation,” Ancan said. “We can take order from our national government and the
capital.”
Catapang added that the unarmed
Filipinos should have just waved the white flag when Syrian rebels harassed
them if they surrendered their firearms.
