Filipino UN Peacekeepers New Action Heroes - Sen. Bam

When you need peace in your neighborhood, who you gonna call?

A senator dubbed the Filipino peacekeepers as the new action heroes of the world for their bravery and resolve during a standoff with Syrian rebels in Golan Heights.

"Our soldiers' brave front only proves that Filipinos will not back down from any challenge that we face," said Senator Bam Aquino

Aquino has filed Senate Resolution No. 877 to commend and to recognize the Filipino peacekeepers' resolve in carrying out their mission.

"Their bravery and courage reflect the professionalism and competence of the Armed Forces of the Philippines," Aquino said.

The Filipino peacekeepers form an integral part of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) Mission that monitors a ceasefire agreement between Syria and Israel.

Aside from the Philippines, other countries contributing troops to the UNDOF Mission include Fiji, Ireland, Nepal and the Netherlands.

The tension escalated after Syrian rebels entered the UN-patrolled buffer zone between Syria and Israel last August 28, capturing 44 Fijian peacekeepers and demanding the surrender of Filipino peacekeepers.

Surrounded by the Syrian rebels, the Filipino peacekeeper refused to surrender their arms and continued to defend their position, leading to a four-day standoff.

The first group of 35 Filipino peacekeepers stationed at Position 69 was rescued by Irish and Filipino forces.

The second group of 40 Filipino peacekeepers held their ground at Position 68 and kept about 100 Syrian rebels at bay.

After seven hours under heavy fire, the Filipino peacekeepers successfully planned and implemented their escape on August 30 under the cover of darkness.

They walked for nearly two hours to meet up with other UN forces who escorted them to safety. They are now safely repositioned to Camp Ziuoani behind UN lines.

Despite the incident, the Filipino peacekeepers will stay until October 2014, in fulfillment of the country's commitment to international security.

"We continue to support the speedy resolution of the Syrian conflict to stop the violence that has left thousands of families devastated by war," Aquino said.