Despite Brunei's small size, it has the potential to play an important symbolic role on the international stage as a moderate and stable Islamic country, and it is active in peacekeeping in a number of countries with Muslim populations, including the Philippines. Brunei has 15 soldiers on peacekeeping duties in Mindanao, a Muslim region of the Philippines. The Royal Brunei Armed Forces comprise 5,700 personnel, of whom 3,900 serve in the army. In January Brunei increased the size of its contingent in Lebanon to 20, under the aegis of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. The small force will be under Malaysian command. Brunei has been active in Lebanon since 2008.