Philippine Army Rules of Engagement/Code of Conduct

Excerpt from article posted to InterAksyon (Oct 26):  Philippine Army Rules of Engagement/Code of Conduct

.... Major Jacob Tahddeus Obligado, commander of the 10th Civil Military Operations Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division, told soldiers to carry at all times a copy of the rules of engagement (ROE) in any military operation for them to always remember how to respond to a hostile situation and avoid inflicting danger to civilian communities.

The seven rules on self defense are the following:

1. You have the right to use force in self-defense at all times;
2. You may use force in response to a hostile attack or imminent attack directed against you;
3. If time and circumstances permit give a warning before opening fire in self-defense;
4. Give a warning by shouting “STOP OR I WILL FIRE”;
5. If you have to open fire, you must. Fire only aimed shots; use no more force than is necessary to neutralize the threat; and take all reasonable precautions not to injure anyone other than your target Use of force against the enemy:
6. Attack on armed threat groups is permitted identification of target must be by visual means.
7. Avoid incidental injury or death of civilians and unintended damage of civilian objects.

The code of conduct for combat are the following:

1. Fight only the armed elements of armed threat groups.
2. Attack only legitimate military targets.
3. Spare civilian persons and objects.
4. Limits destruction to what your mission requires

How to treat wounded enemies in the field:

1. Collect them.
2. Care for them.
3. Hand them to you superior or nearest medical personnel.
4. Respect medical personnel and facilities.

How to treat arrested enemies:

1. Spare them.
2. Disarm them.
3. Hand them over your superior.
4. Treat them humanely.
5. Inform their families of their arrest.

How to treat civilians:

1. Respect them.
2. Treat them humanely.
3. Protect them against ill-treatment.
4. Vengeance and taking at hostage are forbidden.
5. Respect their properties, Do not damage or steal it.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/46597/govt-decries-cpp-order-to-heighten-offensives-after-death-of-blaan-woman-kids