The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed its commitment to protect and promote human rights while fulfilling its duties to secure the country and the Filipino people.
"As soldiers in the noble profession of arms, part of our pledge in defending the lives and freedom of the Filipino people and our beloved nation is to strengthen our steadfast commitment to respecting and promoting the rights of our fellow citizens," Major Gen. Arthur Cordura, AFP Vice Chief of Staff, said Monday, Dec. 5.
The AFP expressed the sentiment as part of this year's celebration of the National Human Rights Consciousness Week from December 4 to 10. It carries the theme "Pagtaguyod at Pagsulong ng mga Karapatang Pantao tungo sa Matatag na Pundasyon ng Kapayapaan, Katarungan, Kalikasan, Kaunlaran, at Bayanihan."
Military personnel led by Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, director of the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC), led the attendees in reciting a pledge of commitment which reminds AFP members of their essential role in safeguarding the rights of the people whom they swore to protect.
The AFPCLOAC will also facilitate various activities to educate further and raise the awareness of military personnel about Human Rights.
The National Human Rights Consciousness Week was introduced by Republic Act No. 9201 on April 1, 2003.
Public and private institutions are urged to participate by propagating a culture of respect to human rights to assist in peacebuilding and national unity.