CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City— In celebration of this year's National Human Rights Consciousness Week, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) pledged to continue the protection and promotion of Human Rights during the flag-raising ceremony held on Monday, December 5, at the AFP General Headquarters.
The Vice Chief of Staff, AFP Major General Arthur Cordura who represented the AFP Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and Civilian Human Resources of the AFP.
"As soldiers in the noble profession of arms, part of our pledge in defending the lives and freedom of the Filipino people and our beloved nation is to strengthen our steadfast commitment to respecting and promoting the rights of our fellow citizens," Major General Cordura conveyed the Chief of Staff's message.
Brigadier General Joel Alejandro Nacnac, Director of the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC) led the attendees in reciting the pledge of commitment, which reminds the AFP members of their essential role in safeguarding the rights of the people whom they swore to protect.
The AFPCLOAC will also facilitate various activities to educate further and raise the awareness of military personnel about Human Rights.
The week-long celebration is observed from December 4 to 10. It carries the theme "Pagtaguyod at Pagsulong ng mga Karapatang Pantao tungo sa Matatag na Pundasyon ng Kapayapaan, Katarungan, Kalikasan, Kaunlaran, at Bayanihan."
The National Human Rights Consciousness Week was introduced by Republic Act No. 9201 on April 1, 2003. Public and private institutions are urged to participate by propagating a culture of respect to human rights to assist in peacebuilding and national unity./// (Photo by Sgt. Joy Dave Soria PAF/PAOAFP)
