The Awarding Ceremony of 20 PNP contingent to UNMISS
In 2022, the Philippine National Police sent 20 equally competent members, composed of 13 females and 7 males, as part of the country’s contingent who were deployed as Individual Police Officers (IPOs) in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The said PNP contingent productively worked in collaboration with other international counterparts to help achieve the UNMISS objectives, as well as in ensuring the welfare and safety of both the locals and their contemporaries in South Sudan. After a year of serving overseas, they successfully finished their Tour of Duty as highly esteemed and respectable members of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission.
The 20 Filipino UN peacekeepers were composed of 13 Police Commissioned Officers, namely: PLtCol Cheryl P. Yatar, Incident Operations Center Duty Officer, Field Office Juba; PLtCol Ma Angela M. Salaya, Planning Officer, Mission Headquarters Juba; PLtCol Andree Deedee Abella, Chief Public Information Office, MHQ Juba; PLtCol Mary Ann P. Male, Field Office Malakal; PLtCol Desiree M. Limbo, Field Office Police Commander, FO- Aweil; PLtCol Leoisidro Gabrang, Internal Evaluation Unit, MHQ Juba; PLtCol Allan A. De Leon, IOC, United Nations Headquarters, Duty Officer, FO-Juba; PMaj Maimona Macasasa, FO- Bor; PMaj Riza Torotoro, Personnel and Logistics Officer, FO-Torit; PMaj Ligaya Garabiles, FO-Aweil; PMaj John Rhey A. Cutab, Crime Advisory and Reporting Officer, FO-Wau; PMaj Michael M. Aspiras,PIO, FO-Wau; and PCpt Maria Mary San Juan, FO- Bor; together with seven Police Non- Commissioned Officers, namely: PEMS Michelle Ann Rollon, Personnel and Admin Officer, FO-Juba; PEMS Mary Ann G. Ercilla, Reporting Officer, FO-Torit; PCMS Grace Mantos, Logistics and Transport Officer, FO-Bentiu; PSMS Ritchie M. Fabian, Operations Team Leader, FO-Kuajok; PMSg Guadalope Mercado, Personnel and Admin Officer, FO-Bentiu; PMSg Mark Erwin Salonga, Capacity Building and Development Team Leader, FO-Kuajok; and PSSg Mark Edward Rafael, Logistics Officer, FO-Juba.
During their tenure in South Sudan, the Filipino peacekeepers were strategically engaged in the planning and evaluation of the different UNMISS programs and activities, as well as in the implementation of various community engagements within the host country. Among those were the Confidence and Trust Building in Akobo Town and Padak Jonglei State where the PNP contingent provided technical assistance to the locals; School Engagements and Value Formation in Malakal; Community Outreach Programs in Torit Town; Workshops on Crime Management in Udi Police Station; and Lectures on the International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law to the select members of the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS); and many more.
Within their 12 months Tour of Duty (TOD), the PNP contingent had undoubtedly rendered invaluable contributions not only to the mandate of UNMISS in maintaining peace and order, but also in the sustainable amelioration of the general welfare of the local communities in South Sudan. Their unwavering dedication never falters as they have resiliently performed their sworn duties and inherent responsibilities despite the countless challenges and struggles brought about by cultural differences and other prevailing external factors.
Coinciding with the Traditional Monday Flag Raising Ceremony, on February 12, 2024, Police General Benjamin Casuga Acorda Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police, led in the awarding ceremony to the said personnel where they received the Medalya ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency Medal) in Camp BGen Rafael T Crame in Quezon City. This was attended by Enrique A. Manalo, the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.
In his welcome remarks, the PNP Top Cop emphasized the crucial role of every police officer in bannering the image of our country. “Being a peacekeeper is an arduous task. However, as ambassadors of our country, I must say that the PNP has excelled. Our efforts, professionalism, and excellence are being recognized in peacekeeping missions,” said PGen Acorda.
“Today’s awarding ceremony serves as a testament to the dedication of these police officers. Their stories of commitment to duty not only inspire us but also remind us that as members of the PNP, we are the protectors of our nation and ambassadors of peace on the global stage,” he added.
Likewise, Secretary Enrique Manalo also expressed his gratitude to the PNP awardees for their excellent service, stating that the PNP’s remarkable performance in providing humanitarian aid and fostering good governance in South Sudan has earned recognition from the United Nations. “As the Chairperson of the National Council for UN Peace Operations, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the brave Filipino peacekeepers being honored today. Your commitment to the pursuit of peace is a source of immense pride and inspiration for the entire Filipino nation,” he added.
As the Philippines continues to reaffirm its commitment towards international peace and stability, the Philippine National Police with its entire personnel remains firm in its mandate most especially in upholding the nation’s credibility and integrity in fostering peace and order across mission countries in all parts of the globe.
