PAGADIAN CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 13, 2012) – The Philippine Army on Monday renewed its commitment to uphold human rights and encourage soldiers to reaffirm their adherence to International Humanitarian Law.
“Today, as we renew and reaffirm our adherence to the IHL, I encourage every soldier to follow this by heart and internalize every bit of it. This will be one of the keys in achieving our vision to be a world-class Army that is a source of national pride.”
“I hope that today’s IHL celebration will continue to inspire us to set the right example towards professionalism in the organization. I urge you to help build a better and safer place for our people. With your valuable contribution, the Filipino people will be assured of a better solution to our internal peace and security problem. Let us work together in steering our nation towards a peaceful and stable place to live in,” Army chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said in a statement.
Col. Rizaldy Salimbangon, Inspector General of the 1st Infantry Division, read Bautista’s statement during the annual commemoration of the IHL. This year theme is “Itaguyod ang IHL, Sibilyan Pangalagaan.”
Capt. Albert Caber, an army spokesman, said among those who attended the ceremony was lawyer Rene Quicoy, provincial director of the Commission on Human Rights.
He said Lt. Col. Cornelio Arboleda, the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, led the oath-taking of the “Soldier’s Pledge of Reaffirmation of Commitment and Support for the IHL” where soldiers vowed to strictly adhere and abide with its provisions in the discharge of their duties and functions. (Mindanao Examiner)
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