02 October 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Israel was updated on developments in the Golan Heights and the operations of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the area when Ambassador Generoso D.G. Calonge was invited to the Ambassadors’ Day at Camp Ziouani on September 25.  Participants of the event included other Heads of Missions and officials whose countries are involved in UNDOF’s mission.

The event was formally opened by Force Commander, Lieutenant General Iqbal Singh Singha, who welcomed and introduced to the guests the coverage and relevance of the meeting.  The morning session included briefings on the political, operational and logistical situations in the Golan Heights, as well as the challenges faced by UNDOF in fulfilling its mandate in the demilitarized zone.  The afternoon session consisted of a guided tour to a key UNDOF operation site.  The meeting was timely as UNDOF is continuously challenged in performing its peacekeeping role due to the volatile political and military situation in the area.

UNDOF was established on May 31, 1974 by the UN Security Council to maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria and oversee the implementation of the Agreement on Disengagement between the two countries.  Since its establishment, UNDOF has been composed of troops from Austria, Peru, Poland, Canada, Iran, Finland, Japan, Slovakia, India, Croatia, Fiji, Nepal, Ireland and the Philippines.  At present, there are 338 Filipino soldiers performing duty at UNDOF, making the Philippines the second biggest contributor to the mission in terms of military personnel. END