DND exerts efforts to protect humanitarian workers

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 17): DND exerts efforts to protect humanitarian workers 

All efforts are being exerted to ensure that the Philippine military complies with the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) of Republic Act 10530, also known as the Red Cross and Other Emblems Act of 2013.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made the pronouncement as the country observes International Humanitarian Law Month this August.

“I encourage everyone to assist the Department in taking all the concrete measures to ensure the proper implementation of this IRR,” in his speech read by DND Undersecretary for Defense Policy Ricardo David at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers Club, Quezon City, Thursday.

The DND chief also urged everyone to contribute to the betterment of humanity and to make the world a better place to live in through the observance of the humanitarian law.

Under the IRR, the DND, in partnership with the Department of Health and the Department of Trade and Industry, is vested with a regulatory function in the implementation of IHL, particularly in the protection of humanitarian workers and non-combatants, and prosecution of the violators of the law.

RA 10530 also highlights the importance of respecting the international emblems of humanity such as the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystals through the protection of personnel and emergency response assets in times of armed conflicts.

This year's IHL month theme is “Kaligtasan ng Mamamayan sa Panahon ng Digmaan, Sama-sama Nating Pagtulungan”.

“Let’s all ensure respect for IHL and make sure that it is at the heart of our mandate and mission,” Lorenzana added.

The Philippines, as a Contracting Party to the Four Geneva Conventions of Aug. 12 1949, subscribes to the basic principle of disinterested humanitarian aid to all victims of war and armed conflict without discrimination, and accepts direct responsibility for the application of IHL when involved in an armed conflict.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045152