CHR-AFP Partnership Getting Stronger
BGen Francisco N Cruz Jr, Commander, CRSAFP, met with Commission on
Human Rights Chairperson Leila de Lima last week at the CHR office in
Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City to discuss human rights issues
affecting both agencies and to cultivate a closer coordination in the
ground between the AFP and the Commission on Human Rights.
In the meeting, Chairperson Leila de Lima voiced to the CRSAFP Commander
her appreciation of the AFP's seriousness in putting an end to
extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances as evidenced by the
downtrend of the number of these cases. Chairperson de Lima said, "While
there remain reports about human rights violations, which are still
under validation; I am glad that for the year 2009, there was a very
dramatic reduction in cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced
disappearances."
For his part, BGen Cruz assured the CHR that the AFP is one with the
Commission on Human Rights in upholding life and human rights, "We will
work hand-in-hand with the CHR to find new and long-term solutions to
problems relating to human rights; and we volunteered support to
Barangay Human Rights Action Center (BHRAC) and for CRSAFP Group
Commanders to engage with CHR Regional Directors."
Both parties also agreed that the AFP, through the Civil Relations
Service, will submit report to the CHR on any violation of human rights
as relayed from the field or that the AFP has knowledge and cognizance
of.
Chairperson de Lima also remarked that the CHR has issued two advisory
against the CPP-NPA's extortion schemes; as well as press statements
related to elections; one of which condemned the NPA ambush on
government troops escorting Board of Election Inspectors and poll
watchers in Compostela Valley which resulted to the deaths of two
soldiers and two CAFGUS, a BEI, and poll watcher.
The Armed Forces has welcomed these advisories and supported the CHR's
investigation on the ComVal incident. The AFP has also issued a
statement in view of the recent report of the United Nations citing the
military's commitment and determination to protect the rights and
dignity of every individual, especially children and minors. This
commitment is embodied in the MOA in the Handling and Treatment of
Children involved in Armed Conflict of which the AFP is signatory to;
the AFP's code of ethics and Rules of Engagement (ROE) which gives
primacy to respect of human rights - including that of their enemies;
and through directives and protocols that guide our troops in the proper
handling of a minor rescued/surrendered.
"The UN report seemed inaccurate, unverified, and unsubstantiated. The
AFP firmly believes in equal rights and equal opportunities for every
person. Even our enemies' right to life is respected. And we endeavor to
return freedom to those who lost them, especially to our children, whom
others - particularly illegally armed groups - took advantage of,"
affirms BGen Cruz.
The AFP has maintained close coordination not only with the CHR but with
other national, local, and international organizations and institutions
advocating and monitoring human rights such as ICRC, Ateneo Human Rights
Center, Philippine Council of Evangelical Church, National Council of
Churches in the Philippines, and Philippine National Red Cross, among
others.
The military institution has also issued guidelines and substantially
inculcated among its courses a program of instruction on human rights
and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) for greater human rights
awareness of its members.
The AFP code of ethics provides specific provisions on Supremacy of
Civilian authority, War, the Use of Armed Force and on Human Rights. In
the implementation of any military program, all AFP units shall strictly
adhere to the Rules of Engagement (ROE) and the doctrine of command
responsibility. The AFP has also established the AFP Human Rights Office
(AFPHRO) on February 2007 to effectively address all human rights issues
and concerns involving the AFP.
The military's support to and close collaboration with government
initiatives and other stakeholders in promoting peace and human rights;
as well as cooperation with duly authorized investigating bodies or
committees.
"With clarity and conviction, the AFP has taken a significant step in
safeguarding human rights. We hope to become a more effective force in
promoting a Philippine society where respect to human rights is resolute
and inviolable," concludes BGen Cruz.
During the visit, BGen Cruz was accompanied by CRSAFP's Civil Military
School Commandant Ltc Amerigo Fabrigar and Group Commander of the
Information Development Group Maj Eugenio Julio C Osias IV.
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