AFP renews commitment to human rights protection

MANILA, Philippines - Amid torture allegations involving some of its personnel, the military renews its commitment to respect human rights in the run-up to the celebration of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day this Thursday.

The military starts today the celebration of IHL Day through an oath that reaffirms its adherence to internationally accepted humanitarian principles.

The oath will be led by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. during the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

This will be followed by the soldiers’ pledge of commitment to human rights led by AFP Human Rights Office chief Col. Domingo Tutaan Jr.

Commission on Human Rights chairperson Loretta Rosales, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and International Committee of the Red Cross representative Jean Daniel Taux are expected to witness the event.

“This is one manifestation of the AFP’s continuous commitment in the protection of human rights. The AFP’s primary duty is to look after the best interest of Filipinos and by doing so, it shall always adhere to the principles of the International Humanitarian Law,” Oban said.

Oban said the military would not condone any form of human rights violation within its tanks.

“The AFP... is committed to continuously develop a culture which gives utmost premium to transparency and accountability and shall never condone any act of human rights violation within our ranks,” he said.

The military’s major services and field units will hold similar oaths in their respective headquarters. The oath is one of the activities to be undertaken in commemoration of IHL Day.

The IHL Day will be commemorated amid claims that some soldiers committed human rights violations against persons believed to be enemies of the state.

One of the most recent accusations is the alleged torture of suspected Abu Sayyaf member Abdul Khan Ajid in Tabiawan, Basilan last month.

Ajid, said to be facing kidnapping and illegal detention cases, was reportedly arrested by members of the Scout Rangers Company in Tabiawan town last July 23.

He was reportedly brought to the headquarters of the Special Operation Task Force Basilan, where the supposed torture took place. Soldiers reportedly poured gasoline on him and then lighted it, causing severe burns in many parts of his body.

The AFP Western Mindanao Command has found enough grounds to file charges against an Army captain and two sergeants tagged in the incident.

Other activities marking the celebration of IHL Day are a fun run of soldiers and civil society members on Thursday in Quezon City and lectures on human rights on Friday.