by Alma L. Tingcang
PAGADIAN CITY, Aug 9 (PIA) -– The 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army commemorated yesterday the International Humanitarian Law Day in a simple yet meaningful ceremony held at the Division Parade Ground, Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
BGen Roland C. Amarille, Assistant Division Chief,1ID led the AFP Soldier’s Pledge of Reaffirmation and Support for the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), foremost of which is to strictly adhere to and abide with the provisions of the IHL in the discharge of their duties and functions.
The soldiers also pledged to observe the fundamental principles of IHL on distinction, proportionality of force, military necessity, limitation, humane treatment and non-discrimination; recognize, respect, defend and fulfill the dignity and rights of every person
Amarille said EO 134 formally declares August 12 as International Humanitarian Law Day, but he opted to have the celebration earlier, the soldiers having been fully rested and refreshed to face another week as he called on them to “seize the day to reflect and understand the provisions stipulated in this commitment.”
The good general read the message of AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen.Eduardo S. Oban Jr. “As I speak before u today, I reaffirm to you that the AFP leadership will remain committed in ensuring that everyone, starting with the commander down to our well-respected soldiers will strictly respect, adhere, abide, and support the provisions of the IHL. Rest assured that we will also continue giving technical assistance to further raise the awareness, training on capacity building of our personnel,” the AFP Chief said.
He concluded his message with a very touching note, “At bilang paggunita natin sa araw na ito, ang pamunuan ng 1st Infantry Tabak Division ay hinihimok ang lahat na manatiling nasa gabay ng sinumpaang tungkulin, sumpa na siyang bigkis ng ating pagkakakilanlan bilang tagapagtanggol ng mamamayan. Isang napakamaliwanag na mandato na siyang sumasalamin sa adhikaing protektahan at bigyang seguridad ang mga nararapat na pagkalooban nito. Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang kawal Pilipino,”
Tabak troopers were also privileged to hear lectures on International Humanitarian Law by Atty. Rene M. Quicoy and Capt. Rodolf John G. Dela Cruz, JAGS (PA). The theme of this year’s celebration is: “IHL, the International Criminal Court and RA 9851 protecting against impunity as an instrument of peace.”
Joining the AFP in its celebration were: Acting Labangan Mayor Ukol Talumpa, Upper Pulacan Barangay Captain Jesus Dawala, Atty. Rene Quicoy, Human Rights Officer, PIA9 RD Ms. Noemi Edaga, other dignitaries, local officials and civilian employees. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)