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)

903rd Brigade joins Candle lighting with PDEA

The 903^rd Brigade conducted a candle lighting ceremony in Sorsogon and Masbate on July 29, 2011 in commemoration of the 9^th year anniversary of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). The idea was to form a line of people holding lighted candles from Camarines Norte and Catanduanes extending up to Matnog, Sorsogon and Masbate to include the islands of Burias and Ticao. This would depict an aerial view of an enlightened Bicol Region.

The activity started simultaneously with an ecumenical prayer for a drug-free Bicol at exactly 7:30 pm. The barangay captain talks about the purpose of the activity. Then the candles were lighted.

While the program was short and simple, the residents were able to internalize the purpose of the activity. It was also meaningful as many of the participants were young kids who become easy victims of prohibited drugs. There were also many parents with their kids. Thus, PDEA’s theme of “A Drug-Free Country Starts with a Drug-Free Family” was very appropriate.

The soldiers will continue to support the efforts of PDEA as their programs coincide with the objectives of IPSP Bayanihan.

903rd Brigade joins “Kalikasan para sa Karunungan” of Radio PADABA

             On July 2, 2011, the 903rd Brigade joined the project of DWOL FM 103.9MHz PADABA based in Sorsogon City which aimed to promote recycling and segregation of solid wastes in the community. Dubbed Kalikasan para sa Karunungan, it was a “bayanihan” among the different stakeholders which included the City Government of Sorsogon, the City Division Office of DepEd, the City DENR, the Radio Station PADABA, the residents and the soldiers.

            The project encouraged the community folks to gather/collect reusable and recyclable materials that were no longer needed. These materials were then sold at junk shops. The proceeds were used to buy school supplies for public elementary school children in Sorsogon. The beneficiary schools were determined by the City Division DepEd.

For its part, the Brigade instructed its subordinate units to conduct similar activities in their area. Aside from information dissemination on the benefits of recycling, they also gathered recyclable materials which they turned-over to PADABA.

During the closing ceremonies last July 29, the speakers cited the success of the project which were able to generate funds for the school children. They also appreciated the good working relationship among those involved.

The project was a good venue for the soldiers to show their commitment to the environment. It was also a good experience for the stakeholders in the community to work closely towards a common goal, in the spirit of “bayanihan’ espoused under IPSP “Bayanihan” of the AFP.