Monday, December 2, 2013

PA vows to uphold human rights at all times --Coballes

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2): PA vows to uphold human rights at all times --Coballes

The Philippine Army (PA), during its flag-raising ceremonies Monday at its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, vowed to uphold human rights at all times.

The pledge was made by Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel A. Coballes as he and all Army personnel present during the occasion recited the pledge, “Panunumpa sa Karapatang Pantao” (pledge to human rights).

This was done in observance of the National Human Rights Consciousness Week which is celebrated every year from Dec. 4 to 10.

Col. Perfecto M. Rimando Jr., Army Human Rights Office chief, led the recitation of the pledge.

In his speech, Coballes reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to strictly observe human rights in the conduct of operations.

“Patuloy nating isinusulong, isinasaloob, at pinapahalagahan ang karapatang pantao sa lahat ng ating mga operasyon at programa,” he emphasized.

“I am optimistic that as we continuously participate in this advocacy, we will fully internalize the impact of our genuine respect for human rights and our efforts to win the hearts and minds of our people. This is particularly significant to the fulfillment of our strategic intent and vision in the Army Transformation Roadmap,” he added.

Coballes also delivered the message of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista wherein he quoted:

“As we commemorate the National Human Rights Consciousness Week, let me reaffirm to our nation and the Filipino people the AFP’s commitment to protect, defend, and promote human rights.”

Bautista also emphasized in his statement that upholding human rights and securing the liberty of the people are essential pillars of the AFP’s national security mandate.

He said that this has been manifested during the Zamboanga incident last September and during the onslaught of super typhoon "Yolanda" last month.

“The AFP does not only protect human rights; we also work to uplift human lives,” Bautista pointed out.

The celebration of the National Human Rights Consciousness Week is embodied in Republic Act No. 9201 or National Human Rights Consciousness Week Act of 2002, wherein Dec. 4 to 10 is designated as such.

This Act also enjoins government agencies as well as private and public education/learning institutions to celebrate the week through simple and appropriate ceremonies and activities to promote awareness on the basic and fundamental human rights and propagate human rights culture that aims at sustainable development in the country.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=592735

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