Remarks by
HON. ENRIQUE A. MANALO
Secretary for Foreign Affairs
Conferment of Awards to 20 Members of the PNP Contingent to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
12 February 2024, Monday
PNP Headquarters
Police General Benjamin C Acorda Jr, Chief of the National Police,
Police Lieutenant General Emmanuel B Peralta, the Acting Deputy Chief, PNP for Administration,
Police Lieutenant General Michael John F Dubria, the Acting Deputy Chief, PNP for Operations,
Police Lieutenant General Jon A Arnaldo, the Chief of Directorial Staff,
Usec Oscar F. Valenzuela, Undersecretary for Peace and Order,
Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa T. Almojuela, Assistant Secretary, UN and International Organizations, DFA,
Director Jan Michael B. Gomez, UNIO,
Ms. Jevelynne L. Alina, UNIO,
To the office primarily responsible for today’s activity, the Directorate for Plans, led by Director Police Major General Rudolph B Dimas,
To the other members of the Directorial Staff,
To the Directors of the National Support Units,
Other Senior Officers, Police Commissioned Officers, Police Non-Commissioned Officers, and Non-Uniformed Personnel,
The PNP Contingent to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, together with their respective families,
Friends from the media, other distinguished guests, and
Other PNP personnel who are joining us via facebook live,
Isang pinagpalang umaga po sa ating lahat!
At the outset, I wish to thank the Philippine National Police for inviting me today to witness the awarding of medals to twenty members of the PNP contingent to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan or UNMISS, who recently concluded their tours of duty.
As a founding member of the United Nations, the Philippines has actively participated in UN Peacekeeping Operations to do our part, and to help make peace a reality in most of the conflict-ridden parts of the world.
Since the “Limbas Squadron” flew to the Congo in 1963, we have deployed over 14,000 Filipino peacekeepers to 21 United Nations peacekeeping and special political missions in Africa, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific.
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.
At the United Nations General Assembly, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said that the “UN must forge ahead with its flagship tradition of global peacekeeping.” The President personally conveyed the Philippines’ desire to revitalize our participation in UN Peacekeeping operations to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during the President’s visit to the United Nations in 2022.
We commend the PNP for its efforts in enhancing the Philippines’ reputation as a reliable Troop and Police Contributing Country (T/PCCs) by sending more Individual Police Officers to UN Peace Operations.
The deployment of Individual Police Officers to the UN Mission in South Sudan significantly increased our ranking among TPCCs from 98th out of 121 countries in 2021 to 80th last year. Furthermore, having females comprising more than half of the current active Filipino UN peacekeepers is a concrete example of the Philippine commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda.
The PNP’s exemplary performance in extending humanitarian work and promoting good governance in South Sudan has earned recognition from the United Nations. In my capacity as Chairperson of the National Council for UN Peace Operations, I congratulate the brave women and men Filipino Police peacekeepers being awarded today. 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 peace and security. Hence, the President also announced at the UN General Assembly in 2022 the Philippines’ candidature for a non-permanent seat in the Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028.
With its wealth of experience in peacekeeping and peacebuilding, especially in Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the Philippines is ready to represent the interests of peace-loving Member States in the Security Council for a better future – where the rule of law, peace and security, fairness and justice govern our daily lives; where women and children are also active agents for peace and development.
As President Marcos Jr. declared “No nation stands alone. The achievement of our national ambition requires a global environment that creates conditions that allow all nations, including ours, to thrive in peace. We need the United Nations to continue to work. And we, the Philippines, are determined to be part of that solution.”
Our close cooperation with the Philippine National Police will definitely ensure the revitalization of Philippine participation in UN Peace Operations as a trusted partner, innovative pathfinder, and committed peacemaker.
Thank you and Mabuhay ang PNP!