CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Sulong Peace Incorporated (SPI) to advance human rights advocacies on Tuesday, April 5.
The AFP Chief of Staff, General Andres C Centino, signed the agreement in a ceremony held at the General Headquarters Building in Camp Aguinaldo. Representing the SPI was Ms. Joeven Reyes-Escober, Executive Director.
"The AFP remains committed to ensuring that Human Rights (HR) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) continue to be invigorated to safeguard our country's enduring peace and security. Our military personnel's understanding of the significance of HR and IHL for individuals and groups involved in armed conflict can save many lives, especially during war," said General Centino.
The MOU signing between the AFP and SPI was facilitated by the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC), headed by its director, Brigadier General Joel Alejandro S Nacnac.
It allows both organizations to collaborate and conduct joint capacity building and training within and outside the AFP; joint activities promoting HR, IHL and Rule of Law; and sharing of reports on alleged violations of state and non-state actors for appropriate action of concerned agencies.
"As a Civil Society Organization, we are grateful for the trust that the AFP has bestowed upon us and we promise to continue upholding Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law," said Ms. Reyes-Escober.
Sulong Peace Inc. is a citizen's network dedicated to advocating peace, human rights, and IHL. It is a neutral and impartial organization that promotes peace through peacebuilding and development.
Also present at the ceremony were Ambassador Bjørn Jahnsen of the Royal Norweigan Embassy and representatives from the Spanish Development Cooperation of the Spanish Embassy, Commission on Human Rights, and Department of Social Welfare and Development.
"The Armed Forces will always champion Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law in all our undertakings as we continue to transform into a strong and credible force that is a source of national pride," General Centino said.///(Photos by TSg Randulf D Obinque PAF/PAOAFP)
