The Department of National Defense (DND), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine Army (PA) on Monday, Aug. 3, pledged to continue upholding human rights as they opened the 77th observance of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month.

Representing DND Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. at the opening ceremony at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) Academic Building in Quezon City, Senior Undersecretary Irineo C. Espino said respect for human dignity and the rule of law must remain central to military operations, especially during armed conflict.

“International Humanitarian Law is founded on a simple yet powerful principle: respect for human dignity. It seeks to protect those who are not, or are no longer, taking part in hostilities and to limit the suffering caused by armed conflict,” Espino said.

August is observed as IHL Month in the country to raise awareness of the legal protections afforded to civilians and other noncombatants during armed conflict while reinforcing the country's commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

The observance, themed “Pinalakas na Ugnayan at Pagkakaisa sa Pagsulong ng IHL,” came as the government continues to promote compliance with IHL, which sets rules for the conduct of armed conflict and protects civilians, the wounded, medical personnel, and others who are no longer participating in hostilities.

“No single agency, organization, or individual can do it alone. It requires strong partnerships, effective coordination, and a collective commitment to protecting human life and dignity,” Espino said.

The DND said it will continue strengthening partnerships with government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners to advance humanitarian principles, reinforce the rule of law, and support peace and security.

Meanwhile, AFP Chief Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete led military personnel and civilian employees in an IHL Commitment Oath-Taking during his first flag-raising ceremony as chief of staff.

The AFP said the activity reaffirmed its commitment to integrate IHL and respect for human rights into all military operations.

“As we go on to our respective duties, let us always desire to be a military that not only protects lives, but uplifts humanity. Be a force whose strength is rooted in compassion and whose discipline is underpinned by respect for law,” Nafarrete said.

For his part, Acting Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran also led simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City and camps nationwide, where he underscored that adherence to human rights and IHL is a fundamental obligation of every soldier.

“We commemorate IHL not because of existing policies and regulations that we are afraid to violate. We abide by it because it is the right thing to do. It is the moral thing to do. It is the ethical thing to do,” Gumiran said.