Eight female members of the military, who are candidates for the United Nations peacekeeping missions overseas, had a meet-and-greet with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in Malacañang on Friday.

The members of the military who met the President were LTC. Earlywynne Gullem, LTC. Floredeliza Bolhayon, LTC. Francel Margareth Taborlupa, LTC. Sharon Pabilona, Cdr. Florangel Murito, Maj. Catherine Cadayan, Capt. Feliluz Rodriguez and Lt. Ma. Angelita Bautista.

In the meeting, the President warned the female officers about the dangers of being deployed abroad. He particularly mentioned hot spots like the waters of Yemen, where piracy is rampant.

The UN recognizes the country’s role in its peacekeeping missions, especially the contributions of female military personnel.

Women play a critical role in UN’s peacekeeping missions in mitigating confrontations and in engaging with victims of conflict, who are mostly women, children and the elderly.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Defense Undersecretary Arthur Tabaquero were also present during the event. PND