Something exciting is about to happen! The Philippines is getting ready to send a special team of all-women police officers to help with one of the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions around the world.
What Is a Peacekeeping Mission?
A peacekeeping mission is when the UN sends people from different countries to help stop fights and keep peace in places where there is war or trouble. These peacekeepers help protect people, support local police, and make things safer for everyone.
What Did the PNP Say?
Police Major Sancho Celedio, who works in the UN Peacekeeping Center for the Philippine National Police (PNP), said:
“We are getting ready to send one group of police officers, made up of only women, very soon. This is our promise to the President—to help more in keeping peace around the world.”
This group will have five platoons, which is a big group of police officers working together.
Has the Philippines Done This Before?
Yes! In the past, Filipino police officers and soldiers were sent to countries like South Korea to help during tough times. Right now, there are 25 Filipino police officers in South Sudan, helping with a UN mission called UNMISS.
And it’s not just the police. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also has Filipino soldiers in other countries such as:
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Central African Republic
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India
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Pakistan
One of the biggest missions they are part of is called MINUSCA, which is helping people in the Central African Republic.
What Do Peacekeepers Need to Do?
Being a peacekeeper is not easy. According to Lieutenant Commodore Douglas Defeles, who is part of MINUSCA:
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Peacekeepers must be well-trained to work with people from other countries.
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They may also need to learn new languages, depending on where they are going. For example, in Central Africa, many people speak French, so some Filipino peacekeepers learn to speak a little French, too!
What’s It Like to Be a Peacekeeper?
Major Celedio says that being a peacekeeper is an amazing experience. Even though they only work in the mission for one year, it’s very special.
“When we finish our work, we are welcomed back as if we are ambassadors of our country. It’s a big honor to represent the Philippines and do good in other parts of the world,” he said.
Did You Know?
In the last 60 years, the Philippines has already joined 21 peacekeeping missions! That means Filipino heroes have been helping people in other countries for a very long time.
This new all-women police team will be another proud moment for the Philippines. 🇵🇭 They will help keep people safe, build peace, and show the world the strength and kindness of Filipinas!
