Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said that the Philippines would send more Filipino peacekeepers to serve under the United Nations (UN) to support the promise of the UN to serve and protect.
“Peacekeeping is one of the clearest symbols of the United Nations’ promise to protect people and preserve peace,” Teodoro said during Wednesday’s 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, Germany.
“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 stressed.
“On new peacekeeping models, 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 added.
Teodoro affirmed that the Philippines, recognized as a “trusted partner, innovative pathfinder and committed peacemaker,” backs all initiatives to revitalize and reinforce peacekeeping missions.
“We are prepared to expand our participation and help shape the future of peacekeeping,” the official said. “As a concrete expression of this commitment, we pledge to increase the number of Filipino peacekeepers deployed globally in the years to come.”
Teodoro stated that the Philippines will deploy one Light Infantry Battalion and one Formed Police Unit as part of its commitment to the United Nations Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System (PCRS).
The Philippines will also send military observers and individual police officers to support the offices of UN missions.
“These contributions build upon our existing pledges, which include a Quick Reaction Force Company and a Military Construction Engineering Company,” Teodoro said.
Filipino troops have long participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions, having served in countries such as Syria and Liberia.
In addition, Teodoro emphasized the Philippines’ strong support for the “full, equal and meaningful participation of women” in peacekeeping efforts.
“We believe their inclusion in all roles and positions is essential to peace operations’ effectiveness, credibility, and long-term success. As a testament to this resolve, the Formed Police Unit we will pledge will be commanded by a female officer and will have three (3) platoons that are fully composed of women,” Teodoro said.
“The Philippines will continue to deploy military and police personnel in any area while taking into consideration their effectiveness in fulfilling the mandate of their deployment. All our personnel will continue to uphold the highest standards of conduct and professionalism in fulfilling their mandates,” he continued.
Teodoro announced that the Philippines will host the 2025 ASEAN Peacekeeping Staff Exercise in September, highlighting the country’s commitment to “fostering regional cooperation and strengthening partnerships between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations.”
Teodoro also reaffirmed Manila’s support for the UN’s capacity-building initiatives, adding that the Philippines has pledged to host the UN Triangular Partnership Program (TPP) Training Courses in the ASEAN region in 2029 and 2030.
“We also pledge to provide certified Military Mobile Training Teams to enhance peacekeeper preparedness in addressing both emerging and persistent challenges,” Teodoro said.
“The Philippines stands ready to contribute to a safer and more secure world as a trusted partner, pathfinder, and peacemaker in the pursuit of lasting and sustainable peace,” he added.