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Public welfare first in ops vs. security threats: Army

By Priam Nepomuceno

November 10, 2021, 9:54 am

<p><strong>VISIT.</strong> Delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross visit Army commander, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, at the Army Headquarters in Taguig City on Tuesday (Nov. 9, 2021). Centino told the delegates that the armed forces adhere to the International Humanitarian Law and human rights law. <em>(Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)</em></p>

VISIT. Delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross visit Army commander, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, at the Army Headquarters in Taguig City on Tuesday (Nov. 9, 2021). Centino told the delegates that the armed forces adhere to the International Humanitarian Law and human rights law. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

MANILA – The commander of the Philippine Army (PA) said the welfare of Filipinos is always at the forefront in the conduct of operations against security threats.

Lt. Gen. Andres Centino gave this assurance as delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) made a courtesy call at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Tuesday.

“It has been an honor working alongside the ICRC as we keep the peace and secure our nation against the atrocities of the enemies. Rest assured that the Philippine Army puts the welfare of the people in all our operations,” he said.

Centino assured the visiting delegates of the military's "strong adherence" to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and human rights as they discussed persons deprived of liberty and their status while under Army custody.

According to its website, the ICRC said maintaining a dialogue with the armed forces is an "integral part" of its operations around the world to ensure that all levels of the armed forces know and apply IHL and human rights law in their operations and facilitate humanitarian action for the victims of conflict.

In an earlier statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., said adherence to IHL principles defines a professional military force.

The rules of IHL should be paramount, he said. (PNA)

 

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