AFP joins CARHRIHL 16th anniversary

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 29): AFP joins CARHRIHL 16th anniversary

Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in eastern Mindanao joined the commemoration of the 16th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

The activity, dubbed multi-stakeholder summit, was spearheaded by a group called Bantay Bayanihan that was held at the Finister Hall of the Ateneo de Davao University here.

The summit was aimed to launch a massive awareness campaign for the constituents to fully understand the vital provisions of the CARHRIHL that was signed by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front (NDF).

The AFP officials who joined the summit include Eastern Mindanao Command commander Lt. General Rainier Cruz III, AFP spokesperson Major General Domingo Tutaan, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Lysander Suerte and 10tInfantry Division commander Major General Ariel Bernardo.

The summit was also attended by more than 300 stakeholders from at least 150 different civil society organizations and top government officials in Davao region, among them was Davao del Sur Governor Claude Bautista.

Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL) national governor Alfred Lubang was also present during the summit.

Ateneo de Davao president Fr. Joel Tabora welcomed the attendees of the summit and stressed the importance for both the AFP and the NPA’s (New People’s Army) to protect the lives of innocent civilians as guaranteed under the CARHRIHL.

A presentation on the historical account of the signing was also presented while GPH Peace Panel member Ednar Dayanghirang gave some insights on the vital provisions of the agreement.

Stakeholders who joined the gathering aired their concerns.

http://www.mb.com.ph/afp-joins-carhrihl-16th-anniversary/