03 March 2014 – The outgoing Chief of Staff of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and National Contingent Commander of the Philippine Battalion in Peacekeeping Operations in the Golan Heights, Colonel Cirilito E. Sobejana paid a farewell call on Chargé d’ Affaires, e.p. Nestor N. Padalhin at the  Philippine Embassy in Damascus on February 24.

Col Sobejana assumed his mission on January 10, 2013 which ended on March 1, 2014. The commendation was bestowed on Col. Sobejano for his contributions in promoting peace in the region.

As Battalion Head of the Philippine Contingent, Colonel Sobejana displayed professional skill, strong leadership and exemplary behavior which resulted in the positive image of the Philippines in Syria. During his tenure as UNDOF Chief of Staff, and at the same time, as the National Contingent Commander of the Philippine Troops in the Golan Heights, the security crisis in the mission area in Golan Heights was at its worst. It may be recalled that 21 members of the Philippine Contingent were kidnapped in March 2013 and another four (4) in May 2013 by armed rebels. All of them were eventually freed upon the intercession of UN and the Syrian government. UNDOF personnel also experienced various threats like being fired upon during patrols, weapon snatching, and carjacking.

UNDOF has been monitoring ceasefire in the Golan Heights between Syria and Israel since 1974. Currently, the 7th Philippine Contingent in UNDOF has a total of 346 officers and other ranks. Fourteen (14) of them are serving as staff of UNDOF while the rest are deployed in the southern part of the area of operations.

During the call, Colonel Sobejana was accompanied by the incoming Philippine Battalion Commander Colonel Enriquez. END