CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—The Armed Forces of the Philippines opened on Monday, August 1, its month-long commemoration of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) with an oath-taking ceremony at the General Headquarters in Quezon City.
Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro S Nacnac, Director of the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict, led the reading of the pledge that reaffirms the AFP’s adherence to the principles of IHL and commitment to its promulgation to all military and civilian personnel.
With the theme, “Upholding IHL as we Recover from the Pandemic: Bayanihan to Reduce the Suffering in Armed Conflict Toward Advancing the Gains of Peace and reconciliation,” this year’s commemoration highlights the importance of IHL in preventing unwanted sufferings of actors involved in armed conflict.
AFP Chief of Staff General Andres C Centino urged the AFP to stay on the right track, improve performance, and focus on accomplishing the mission of protecting the people and the state.
“Over the years, much has been done to institutionalize the fundamentals of IHL, all of which underscores the importance of human rights and dignity and their protection above all else,” the CSAFP said in a speech delivered by The Deputy Chief of Staff AFP, VAdm Rommel Anthony SD Reyes.
“Today, we reiterate our collective commitment to contribute to the full and proper implementation of IHL in all our campaigns and operations,” he added.///
(Photos by TSg Obinque/PAO, AFP)
