AFP vows to uphold transparency in line with HR commitments

FILE: “The AFP upholds today and every day the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said. (PNA PHOTO)

MANILA — In line with its commitment to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it will continue to be transparent with its operations and expressed willingness to cooperate in verified complaints brought against its personnel.

The military issued this statement in line with the observance of the International Human Rights Day on Sunday.

“The AFP upholds today and every day the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

This is the reason why the military has established human rights offices from the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to the small units in the frontline, he added.

“It is in pursuit of that advocacy that we have continuing lectures on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law,” Arevalo disclosed.

For this reason, the AFP continues to be transparent in its operations and is willing to cooperate in investigations where verified complaints are brought before them, he added.

“To the end that in the conduct of our engagements, from Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response to Civil-Military Operations to Combat Operations, We observe the Rules of Engagement which is anchored on Human Rights, Law of Armed Conflict, and the provisions of the 1987 Constitution,” Arevalo noted.