SEN. GUINGONA COMMENDS FILIPINO PEACEKEEPERS
IN GOLAN HEIGHTS
CITES THEIR COURAGE AND BRAVERY AMIDST GRAVE DANGER

Senator Teofisto "TG" Guingona III has filed Senate Resolution No. 881 commending the courage and bravery of Filipino peacekeepers in the recent conflict in the Golan Heights.

"These soldiers have exhibited extraordinary valor above and beyond their call of duty. They have demonstrated once again that Filipinos are among the bravest peacekeepers in the world," Sen. Guingona said.

There is a 331-strong Filipino contingent serving as part of the United Nations Disengagement Force in the Golan Heights. In August 28, 2014, Syrian rebels surrounded some 75 Filipino troops and demanded the surrender of the soldiers' firearms. The Filipinos refused and stood their ground.

"It must have been a harrowing scenario," says Guingona of the ensuing seven-hour firefight between the troops and Syrian rebels. "Yet they have shown incredible courage and bravery amidst grave danger and conflict. They are true heroes."

(please see attached e-copy of the filed resolution)