AFP sends 115 PAF soldiers to Liberia

MANILA—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) formally deployed its 115-strong contingent to Liberia yesterday.

The send-off ceremony was done at the Philippine Air Force Grandstand in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos Jr., AFP spokesperson, said the contingent being flown to Liberia is the 17th to be deployed overseas by the country.

He said this is part of the AFP’s commitment to the United Nations global peace and development efforts as one of its founding members.

This year, the Filipino contingent is led by Col. Fidel Igmedio T. Cruz and is composed of eight officers, 107 enlisted personnel, and 11 female soldiers.

Also included in the contingent is a medical officer.

The all-PAF contingent has undergone the mandatory UN Core Pre-deployment Training.

Burgos said the Philippine contingent to Liberia is in accordance with the UN Resolution 1509 drafted in September 2003 that established the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

It is tasked to assist in the maintenance of law and order in that country following a ceasefire that ended the Second Libe- rian Civil War.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Jessie D Dellosa reminded Cruz and his men to be mindful of AFP’s core values in the fulfillment of their mission abroad.

“They will be representing the AFP and it is imperative that they show the highest standards of discipline, decorum, and sense of responsibility that are imbued in their training,” he added.