Undof commander was the coward, not Filipino peacekeepers

Cowardice was a harsh accusation hurled by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (Undof) commander, Indian Lt. Gen. Iqbal Singh Singha, at the Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights. It was clear where Singha was coming from. He had to save face.

I do not know how Singha arrived at that accusation. Filipino soldiers are known to excel not only in soldiery, peacekeeping and training here and abroad.

Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has sought an investigation of Singha and his order for the Filipino peacekeepers to surrender their firearms and raise the white flag if attacked by Syrian rebels. The order, if it had been followed, definitely would have endangered the lives of the Filipino peacekeepers.

To me, it was Singha who acted weak and unstable; he was the real coward in that situation. It was said he kept changing his orders, proof that he could not handle what was happening.

Nobody is questioning the UN declaration of support for Singha, who has denied ordering Filipinos to surrender their firearms. Of course, anyone in his situation will save his neck and put the blame on others. Singha could have shared the euphoria over the troop’s heroism had he made the proper order of “no surrender.” With his accusation, he not only hurt the Filipino people, he disregarded the invaluable service Filipino troops have extended to other nations as peacekeepers. He should realize his mistake if he still wants to be looked up to as a seasoned officer and leader.

—MARSH B. CASTRO,

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