By The Magbalantay Information Bureau
Col. William Alunday, Commander of 2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade delivered a message on IHL during the flag raising ceremony, August 8, 2016 |
Iligan City - This year’s month of August is the observance of the 67th
International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay”
Brigade commemorated the IHL month pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 134 of July
31, 1999. On the first week of August, the Magbalantay Brigade started the
celebration by posting tarpaulin in front of the brigade main entrance bringing
the theme “IHL: Mga Aral ng Nakaraan, Hamon
sa Kasalukuyan,” it means learning from the past, a challenge nowadays.
Army CAPTAIN
EDDIE M ALCIMA JR (CAV) PA, the Civil Military (CMO) of the 2nd
Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army, said a Flag raising
ceremony was conducted on August 08, at 07:30 A.M., for purposes of
commemorating the IHL. It highlighted the Oath-taking by all personnel of the
“AFP soldier’s pledge of reaffirmation of commitment and support to IHL” led by
COL EZRA JAMES P ENRIQUEZ CAV (GSC) PA, the Human Rights Officer of the Brigade
unit.
Col. Ezra James Enriquez, lead the pledge on IHL commitment, Aug. 8, 2016 |
In their pledge, the soldier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
solemnly swore to commit, reaffirm, and strictly adhere to abide by the
provisions of the IHL in the discharge of their duties and functions. Grant
preferential treatment, respect, and protect the vulnerable sectors, namely the
women, children, and aged, indigenous people, and persons with disabilities at
all times. To distinguish at all times under all circumstances between the combatants
and military objective on the one hand, and civilian object on the other, and
only to target legitimate military objectives and combatants, and apply only
the amount and kind of force necessary to defeat the enemy. Treat the civilians
and non-combatants humanely at all times, including the wounded, sick, and shipwrecked
and treat all protected persons with the same consideration by parties to the
conflict without discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or political
opinion. The AFP soldiers will stand up on their pledge as their committed responsibilities
to fellow individuals, and role as protector of the Filipino people and the
state.
COL WILLIAM A ALUNDAY CAV
(GSC) PA, the Commander of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade in his
message emphasized to all the personnel to strictly internalize and follow
their pledge especially during and in times of conflict to avoid violations of
the IHL.
Standing: Mr. Manuel James Laygo of ICRC discussed the overview of ICRC, Red Cross & Red Crescent, Aug. 11, 2016 |
Captain Alcima said an IHL orientation was conducted on August 11 participated
by the military personnel with the members of the International Committee on the
Red Cross (ICRC) as the lecturers based in Cotabato City, in the persons of Mr.
Jacques Gay-Crosier, Mr. Manuel James Laygo, and Mr. Abdul Gafar Marohom. The participants
were coming from personnel of “Magbalnatay” Brigade and the personnel of 4th
Mechanized Infantry Battalion.
Standing: Mr. Jacques Gay-Crosier of ICRC discussed the topic on IHL, Aug. 11, 2016 |
Captain Alcima added that the activity was so fruitful and the personnel
participated in the orientation had fully understood and learned functions of
the ICRC, Red Cross, and the International Federation of the Red Cross. The
limitations of soldiers in times of conflict with the basic principles of IHL
were thoroughly discussed are all applicable especially during combat
operations.
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