Army re-affirms commitment, adherence to int’l humanitarian law

            SORSOGON CITY, August 10 (PIA) -- “IHL: The International Criminal Court and RA 9851: Protecting Against Impunity as an Instrument of Peace,” was the theme to the recently concluded re-affirmation of commitment of the officers and men of 903rd Brigade, Philippine Army and their adherence to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

               In a simple ceremony on Monday, August 8, held at the 903rd Infantry Brigade (IB) 9th Infantry Division (ID), Philippine Army based in Brgy. Poblacion, Castilla, Sorsogon, Atty. Arnulfo Perete, as Provincial Chairman of the IHL Committee, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Sorsogon Chapter led the Pledge of Commitment and Adherence to IHL and likewise delivered a message to inspire the military men and officers in continuously protecting the country and the sovereignty of the Filipino people in their fight to achieve lasting peace.

              903rd Brigade Commander Col. Felix J. Castro, Jr. also delivered a message before his men challenging them to do its best to be faithful to the provisions contained in the International Humanitarian Law.

            Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Sorsogon Infocenter Manager Irma Guhit, meanwhile, graced the activity and discussed the salient points provided in the International Humanitarian Law and Republic Act 9851 to the men of 903rd IB.

Guhit underscored the meaning of IHL, why is it important, how does it protect, when does it apply and who does IHL protect. She likewise delved on the International Community of the Red Cross’ role in IHL.

              She said that as combatant soldiers, they must have the basic know-how of IHL and other corresponding law in the Philippines that penalizes crimes against it, genocide and against humanity as stipulated in RA 9851 so that all the efforts they exerted in combat will not be wasted.

              “IHL is one of the most powerful tools that the international community has at its disposal to ensure the safety and dignity of people in times of war since it provides set of rules which place restrictions on the use of weapons and methods of warfare. It also prohibits or limits the use of strong and cruel weapons or those which do not distinguish between combatants and civilians,” said Guhit.

               Also known as the law of war or the law of armed conflict, IHL protects people who are not, or no longer, participating in hostilities. Guhit also stressed out that in every battle, both parties must see to it that there is no collateral damage and civilians must never be used as human shield.

                Likewise, insurgents wounded in an encounter must be regarded as wounded person and therefore must be given proper medication.

The ICRC on the other hand, serves as the “guardian” of IHL, basing its work on the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their two Additional Protocols of 1977.

               “These instruments of IHL give the ICRC the right to carry out activities such as bringing relief to the wounded, sick or stranded military personnel, visiting prisoners of war, restoring contact between members of families separated by conflict, aiding civilians and ensuring that those protected by humanitarian law are treated accordingly.

                International Humanitarian Law Day is celebrated on the 12th of August every year. (MAL/BAR, PIA Sorsogon)