MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has pledged to uphold “every day” the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the world celebrated International Human Rights Day on Sunday.
In a statement released yesterday, Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP public affairs office chief, said the military has established human rights offices, from its general headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City down to the small units in the frontline.
“We continue to be transparent in our operations and are willing to cooperate in investigations where verified complaints are brought before us,” he added.
Arevalo also gave assurance that the AFP observes the rules of engagement anchored on human rights, law of armed conflict and the provisions of the 1987 Constitution in all its engagements, from humanitarian assistance and disaster response to civil-military operations and combat operations.
The AFP also holds continuing lectures on human rights and international humanitarian law, he added.