Philippines to send more peacekeepers amid UN funding crisis

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May 15, 2025 | 3:20pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has vowed to increase the number of Filipino peacekeepers deployed globally amid severe funding shortfalls threatening United Nations peacekeeping operations worldwide. 

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro pledged the Philippines' commitment to "expand our participation and help shape the future of peacekeeping" at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday, May 14 (PST). 

Peacekeepers are military, police, and civilian personnel deployed by the UN to conflict zones to maintain peace and security. Currently, the UN operates 11 peacekeeping missions across different regions, with around 60,000 field personnel contributed by 121 countries. 

UN peacekeeping operations currently face unpaid arrears of $2.7 billion, with the United States alone accounting for $1.5 billion in outstanding payments, according to the UN. 

US media reported last month that the State Department was mulling further cuts in funding support for peacekeeping missions as part of further reductions to the department's budget. 

As major powers reduce financial support, Teodoro signaled the Philippines' readiness to shoulder greater peacekeeping responsibilities.

"As a trusted partner, innovative pathfinder and committed peacemaker, the Philippines supports all efforts to revitalize and further strengthen peacekeeping missions," Teodoro said during his speech before representatives from more than 130 countries.

The specific planned deployments announced by Teodoro include one light infantry battalion and one formed police unit under the UN peacekeeping capability readiness system. 

The defense chief also vowed to continue to deploy military observers and police officers to support staff officers of UN missions worldwide.

These contributions, Teodoro said, add to the Philippines' existing pledges, including a quick reaction force company and a military construction engineering company. 

Nearly 15,000 Filipinos have been deployed to 21 peacekeeping missions since 1963.

"The Philippines will continue to deploy military and police personnel in any area while taking into consideration their effectivity in fulfilling the mandate of their deployment," the defense chief said. "All our personnel will continue to uphold the highest standards of conduct and professionalism in fulfilling their mandates."

Teodoro also said the Philippines will announce the 2025 ASEAN peacekeeping staff exercise this September. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who spoke at the ministerial meeting, warned that peacekeeping missions face unprecedented challenges amid what he called "dramatic financial constraints" now affecting the UN in its entirety.

The UN's peacekeeping budget represents only 0.5 percent of global military spending, according to Guterres. 

Held every two years, the ministerial summit brings together member states to discuss the future of UN peacekeeping missions.