MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a non-government organization (NGO) promoting human rights protection as part of its efforts to strengthen its human rights advocacy.
AFP chief, General Andres Centino, and Sulong Peace Inc. (SPI) executive director Joeven Reyes-Escober signed the agreement in a ceremony held at the AFP general headquarters building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC) headed by Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro Nacnac facilitated the MOU signing.
“The AFP remains committed to ensuring that Human Rights (HR) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) continue to be invigorated to safeguard our country’s enduring peace and security. Our military personnel’s understanding of the significance of HR and IHL for individuals and groups involved in armed conflict can save many lives, especially during war,” Centino said.
The MOU enables both organizations to work collaboratively and conduct joint capacity building and training within and outside the AFP; joint activities promoting HR, IHL, and the Rule of Law; and the sharing of reports on alleged violations of state and non-state actors for appropriate action of concerned agencies.
“As a civil society organization, we are grateful for the trust that the AFP has bestowed upon us and we promise to continue upholding Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (IHL),” Reyes-Escober added.
SPI is a citizen’s network dedicated to advocating peace, human rights, and IHL. It is a neutral and impartial organization that promotes peace through peacebuilding and development.
Ambassador Bjørn Jahnsen of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, as well as representatives from the Spanish Development Cooperation of the Spanish Embassy, the Commission on Human Rights, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, were also present at the ceremony.
“The Armed Forces will always champion Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law in all our undertakings as we continue to transform into a strong and credible force that is a source of national pride,” Centino said.
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