Military eyes EU aid on human rights

From the Philippine Star (Nov 1): Military eyes EU aid on human rights

The military on Thursday said it may receive a capacity-building assistance from the European Parliament owing to its efforts to educate soldiers about respect for human rights. The matter was discussed during a meeting between military officials and European Parliament member Norica Nicolai Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said.... “A possible capacity-building assistance for the AFP’s human rights efforts is seen by European Parliament member Norica Nicolai,” Burgos said in a statement. “Nicolai expressed her enthusiasm for future cooperation and assistance for the AFP after validating on-going efforts of the military in addressing human rights issues among its ranks,” he added. It remains unclear what type of assistance could be provided to the AFP, which has been criticized by militant groups for supposedly waging a brutal anti-insurgency drive in the countryside. AFP Human Rights Office chief Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said the Philippines, through its partnership with the European Union, has manifested its continuing efforts in upholding human rights and the International Humanitarian Law. “We said we need a continuing capacity building program for soldiers and units. Minister Nicolai said she will work to support this,” Tutaan told The STAR.....

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=865765