The Philippines says it wants to withdraw nearly 350 of its soldiers from peacekeeping duties in the Golan Heights.
Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario made the announcement on Friday after four of the country's peacekeepers were abducted near the Syrian border.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PHILIPPINES FOREIGN AFFAIRS SECRETARY ALBERT DEL ROSARIO SAYING:
"We have served with dedication the peacekeeping duties in that area but as I said, because of the change in circumstances, it's possible, highly possible, that our recommendation would encompass an early pullout of our people."
Del Rosario said he believed the four were being held by Syrian rebels as human shields, to prevent attacks by government forces.
Video uploaded to a social media website purports to show Syrian rebel forces moving into the Golan Heights last week.
Reuters cannot independently verify the content of these videos.
The UN has relocated peacekeepers away from some observation post
