Philippines halts peacekeeping mission in Liberia over Ebola
The Philippines government has suspended its peacekeeping operation in Liberia as a result of the continuous spread of the highly-contagious Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the West African country.
Since 2003, the government of Philippines has been sending troops to assist in stabilising Liberia after decades of conflict.
However, the government decided to withdraw its 115 troops on Saturday, citing the worsening Ebola epidemic that has killed over almost 1, 500 people across four West African countries.
“The president is getting worried over the Ebola outbreak in Liberia and has ordered all 115 Filipino troops to return home as soon as possible,” a senior Philippine defence official told Reuters.
“Amidst the volatile security environment in the Middle East and West African region, the Philippines prioritises the safety and security of its troops, but remains committed to the peace keeping missions of the Union Nations.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently predicted that by September 1, 2014, the casualty toll from the current Ebola would have surpassed the total number of people to ever have died from the virus.
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