UN medals awarded to 135 RP peacekeepers in Liberia

MANILA, June 26 (PNA) -- For “discharging their duties with discipline and rigor” in Liberia and “upholding the UN values of integrity, professionalism and respect,” 135 Filipino peacekeepers recently received medals of recognition from the United Nations Secretary-General in ceremonies held in the Liberian capital of Monrovia.

The recipients were attached to the 11th Philippine Peacekeeping Contingent serving with the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). Along with the Philippine Mission to the UN headed by Ambassador Hilario Davide Jr., they received their medals from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s representative, Ambassador Ellen Margrethe Løj, who also heads the UNMIL in Monrovia.

The ceremonies coincided with the commemoration of the 111th anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 12.

The contingent was responsible for the security of the UNMIL Headquarters, and Løj said “the Filipino peacekeepers have discharged their duties with discipline and rigor.”

The UN envoy also gave special recognition to Lt. Col. Arnel dela Vega, the contingent commander, for his strong leadership and inspiration to all of the officers to live up to the highest ideals.

Dela Vega said Philippine participation in Liberia manifests the government’s firm resolve to become an active and committed partner of the UN in bringing peace and stability to Liberia and other nations.

Løj also made special mention of the recent decision of the Philippine government to send more women to peacekeeping missions. She described the role of the current nine Filipina peacekeepers serving in UNMIL’s clerical and logistical components as “invaluable to our success.” Among them is Consolacion Frias, who dabbles in poetry.