COMMITMENT TO PEACE. PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. (2nd from left) and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (2nd from right) lead the awarding of the PNP Medalya ng Kasanayan to members of the police force's peacekeeping contingent to South Sudan at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday (Feb. 12, 2024). The team served as members of the UN peacekeeping mission in the African country from November 2022 to December 2023. (Screengrab from PNP Facebook video)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) feted on Monday its 20-member contingent who served as peacekeepers of the United Nations (UN) in South Sudan.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo awarded the Medalya ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency Medal) to the peacekeeping team composed of 13 female and seven male police officers who were deployed to the African nation from Nov. 17, 2022 to Dec. 20, 2023, during flag-raising rites at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“These brave men and women have demonstrated the values that define the PNP, integrity, service and excellence. They have represented our organization with honor and also have showcased the strength and resilience of the Filipino spirit in the international stage,” Acorda said.
He said the Philippines, as one of the foremost contributors of peacekeepers in Southeast Asia, remains committed to protecting the youth, upholding gender equality and supporting sustainable development for people of diverse nationalities.
"It’s really difficult to be a peacekeeper but being an ambassador of our country, I must say that the PNP is doing great as ambassadors of our country. Our efforts, our professionalism, our excellence are being recognized in the peacekeeping missions," said Acorda, who was deployed twice to Haiti for a peacekeeping mission.
Manalo, the event's guest of honor, also praised the contingent for their efforts which went beyond their peacekeeping duties.
"Filipino peacekeepers have played critical roles not just in peacekeeping but also in rebuilding communities, healthcare and promoting human rights especially in regions affected by climate change and complex geopolitical conflicts," he added.
Manalo said the Philippines has deployed over 14,000 Filipino peacekeepers to 21 UN peacekeeping and special political missions in Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
The Philippines' first peacekeeping contingent was the Philippine Air Force's Limbas Squadron which was deployed to Congo in 1963.
“Your commitment to the service of peace is a source of pride and inspiration for the entire Filipino nation. This continued support for UN peacekeeping operations demonstrates our country’s commitment to actively promote international peace and security,” Manalo said.
He said the PNP’s exemplary performance in extending humanitarian work and promoting good governance in South Sudan has earned recognition from the UN.
“As President (Ferdinand R.) Marcos Jr. declared, no nation stands alone, the achievement of our national ambition requires a global environment that creates conditions that allows all nations including ours to thrive in peace…Our close cooperation with the PNP will definitely ensure the revitalization of Philippine participation in UN peace operations as a trusted partner, innovative path finder and committed peacekeeper,” he said. (PNA)
