WHILE IN ATTENDANCE in the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, Germany, where he was given the floor to deliver a message, Defense Secretary Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo Teodoro Jr. announced the commitment of Filipino soldiers and policemen as field military observers and officers to support UN-mandated missions in conflict areas across the globe.
In committing to the participating world dignitaries in the pledging session, Teodoro pledged to provide military mobile training teams to enhance peacekeeper preparedness in addressing both emerging and persistent global challenges.”
He likewise vowed to increase the deployment of women peacekeepers, stressing that their inclusion in all rules and positions is essential to peace operations effectiveness, credibility and long-term success.
(Teodoro) vowed to increase the deployment of women peacekeepers, stressing that their inclusion in all rules and positions is essential to peace operations effectiveness, credibility and long-term success.
ALL-WOMEN CONTINGENT
The defense chief disclosed that a light infantry battalion and police unit of three platoons, most probably with an all-women composition, will be deployed for UN peacekeeping missions.
“The challenges facing UN peacekeeping today demand that we come together collectively to respond to the present challenges of peacekeeping operations, meet head-on to advance innovative and responsive solutions, and answer the call for investing in and sustaining peace,” Teodoro enthused.
He also recommended to representatives of the UN member states that a new peacekeeping model should be established amid the prevailing conflict, particularly in the Middle East involving Israel and Palestinians.
“There must be a clear outcome when we engage in a peacekeeping mission and that political outcome must be based on and in line with the United Nations Charter,” he noted.
“The UN fields its peacekeepers in conflict-stricken countries, to preserve its relevance and effectiveness, we must ensure robust political support and equip our missions to adapt and respond to complex and evolving threats,” he added to highlight the importance of peacekeeping missions in conflict areas even as he cited that the Philippines supports all efforts to revitalize and further strengthen peacekeeping missions.
“As a concrete expression of this commitment, we pledge to increase the number of Filipino peacekeepers deployed globally in the years to come,” Teodoro stated in conclusion to broadcast the country’s hosting this coming September of the 2025 ASEAN Peacekeeping Staff Exercise, which aims at preparing the regional bloc’s troops for safer and more effective UN peace operations.