The United Nations honored three Philippine staff members who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, at the Annual Memorial Service held in New York May 6. Due to the pandemic restrictions, the ceremony was held virtually at the international body’s headquarters in the Big Apple.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres commemorated posthumously Joanna Abaya, who served at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); Dr. Ronald Santos, at the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI); and Ms. Maria Luisa Almirol Castillo, at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
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Guterres shared that the UN reported that it recorded the highest number of personnel fatalities in its history, at 336 from more than 80 UN Member States. These martyrs spread across civilian, military and police, sacrificing themselves in the service of peace or in Covid-19 related circumstances. “Those dear colleagues were a reflection of the diversity and richness of experience of the United Nations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Amb. Enrique A. Manalo, Permanent Representative of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations lauded the Filipinos’ sacrifice, hailing their legacy as an “inspiration for all of us.” “The Philippines is grateful for the remarkable work of these Filipinos in the United Nations and for their sacrifices,” he said.
Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare of the UN Department of Operational Support (DOS) stated that the live event brought families and colleagues from around the World together to remember their loved ones. “Our fallen colleagues will be more than ever united in our hearts and we offer our love and prayers to their families and friends,” he said.
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The names of the late Filipino staff members alongside their 333 colleagues were read one-by-one by UN staff members, Marie-Angle Diègue and Alessandro Susini. Australian-American violinist Adele Anthony graced the solemn commemoration by playing a select solo violin sonata by Johann Sebastian Bach.
At least 657 Filipinos, including officers and uniformed personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), are currently serving in the United Nations both in the headquarters and the field. (AW)
