PH AMBASSADOR VISITS FILIPINOS IN UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN

Philippine Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang (fourth from left) and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Louie Dane C. Merced (fourth from right), with some of the members of the Philippine police contingent in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and observer from the Philippine military.

JUBA, 14 June 2023 - Philippine non-resident Ambassador to South Sudan Marie Charlotte G. Tang visited the Filipinos working in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on 13 June 2023 at the UNMISS Compound in Juba.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) currently has a contingent of 20 police officers (13 female and seven male) in the UNMISS. Among the duties carried out by the Filipino police are conducting trainings for their South Sudanese counterparts, supporting the police commands in different states of South Sudan, and undertaking public information engagements with local and international stakeholders.

With the Philippines being a leading advocate for gender equality and women empowerment, the Filipino female officers also assist in capacitating the local police in handling violence against women and children (VAWC) cases.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also currently has two female military observers in the UNMISS who help monitor the security developments in the world's youngest country.

In addition to uniformed personnel, there are also a number of Filipino civilian employees who support the day-to-day operations of the UNMISS.

During the visit, Ambassador Tang thanked the Filipino peacekeepers, military observers, and civilian personnel for their service and dedication, and expressed that the Filipino people are proud of them.

UNMISS was created in July 2011 through the UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1996. UNMISS is mandated to help consolidate the peace and security, and help establish conditions for development, following South Sudan's independence.

The Philippines' participation in the UNMISS is part of its long tradition of engagement with UN peacekeeping missions, as the country's contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security. END

Ambassador Tang receives a briefing on the work of UNMISS and the tasks being performed by the Philippine contingent.

Ambassador Tang (tenth from left) and Vice Consul Merced (seventh from right) with the Filipino uniformed and civilian personnel in UNMISS