Phl pledges more peacekeepers in UN missions

Defense Secretary Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. has reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to global peacekeeping efforts, announcing new pledges during his address at the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin.

Speaking before international dignitaries at the pledging session, Teodoro committed the deployment of Filipino military and police personnel as field military observers and officers in various UN-mandated missions across conflict zones worldwide.

Teodoro also said the Philippines will deploy military mobile training teams to help boost the preparedness of peacekeepers dealing with modern and ongoing global crises. “He likewise vowed to increase the deployment of women peacekeepers, stressing that their inclusion in all rules and positions is essential to peace operations’ effectiveness, credibility, and long-term success.”

He revealed that the Philippines is preparing a light infantry battalion and a three-platoon police unit — likely composed entirely of women — for future peacekeeping missions.

“The challenges facing UN peacekeeping today demand that we come together collectively to respond to the present challenges of peacekeeping operations, meet head-on to advance innovative and responsive solutions, and answer the call for investing in and sustaining peace,” Teodoro said.

In his speech, the defense chief called for a reimagining of peacekeeping strategies, citing current geopolitical tensions such as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Israel and the Palestinians.

“There must be a clear outcome when we engage in a peacekeeping mission, and that political outcome must be based on and in line with the United Nations Charter,” he emphasized.

Teodoro further stressed the need for enhanced political backing and flexible strategies to ensure that peacekeeping missions remain relevant and responsive to evolving threats. “The UN fields its peacekeepers in conflict-stricken countries. To preserve its relevance and effectiveness, we must ensure robust political support and equip our missions to adapt and respond to complex and evolving threats,” he added.

He also affirmed the Philippines’ support for the continued reform and revitalization of the UN peacekeeping system. “As a concrete expression of this commitment, we pledge to increase the number of Filipino peacekeepers deployed globally in the years to come,” he concluded, highlighting that the country will host the 2025 ASEAN Peacekeeping Staff Exercise in September to help regional forces prepare for safer and more efficient peacekeeping operations under the UN framework.