Army’s Magbalantay supports IHL month

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 67^th International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The 2^nd 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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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 4^th 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.