MANILA, August 29, 2014–Bishop Leopoldo S. Tumulak of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines revealed that a Filipino chaplain is accompanying the Philippine military contingent in Syria, which is currently in a stand-off with rebels.
In a message to CBCP News, the 69-year old prelate said the Filipino chaplain is part of the country’s contingent, under the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force.
Tumulak called on Filipinos to pray for the safety of some 75 troopers caught in a stand-off with Syrian rebels in the Golan Heights.
He said chaplains “take care of the spiritual needs” of Filipino peacekeepers.
Tumulak also explained that chaplains preside over holy masses inside military installations, hear confessions, provide spiritual counseling and spiritual direction.
He, however, did not identify the chaplain’s identity. (Melo M. Acuña)