Army reaffirms respect for human rights

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 13): Army reaffirms respect for human rights

The Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade yesterday re-affirmed their commitment to respect to human rights and International Humanitarian Law at the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Major Nelson Gerona in Brgy. Minoyan, attended by military officials and enlisted personnel.

Colonels Jon Aying and Rey Banares led the activity where the soldiers pledged to defend, protect and promote human rights,

But the military is still being hit by allegations of human rights violations, and extra-judicial killings, especially from left-leaning groups.

Records of the Commission on Human Rights, however, show a marked improvement in the adherence of Army soldiers to the rule of law and promotion of human rights in Negros Occidental.

In the past six months of 2013, not a single complaint of human rights abuses had been lodged against Army soldiers in Negros Occidental, and only one last year, CHR records show.

CHR provincial chief Romeo Baldevarona has attributed this to human rights awareness programs incorporated in the training of soldiers.

The 303rd Infantry Brigade, a member of the Provincial Peace Integration and Development Unit, has been actively involved in non-traditional military activities, focusing on the six hinterland barangays of Escalante, Toboso and Calatrava.

In support to the 303rd IB effort, Lt. Col. Efren Morados, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, yesterday said he has presented the Pro-PIDU accomplishments to the Municipal Peace and Order Councils of Toboso and Calatrava.

Morados said Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco and Calatrava Mayor Araceli Somosa pledged support to the creation of local PIDU in their towns.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/August/13/topstory10.htm