Army brigade vows to continue upholding human rights

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

The Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade vowed to even strengthen its observance of human rights.

During the ceremony to conclude the month-long celebration of the International Humanitarian Law Month on Aug 28, the 301st IB leadership pledged that that every Bayanihan troopers will observe and respect human rights at all times.

Brigadier General Marion Sison, 301st IB commander, said they received no human rights-related complaint against their personnel.

“We have troops deployed to help man Quarantine Control Points (QCPs) and assist government agencies in the conduct of COVID19-related activities in the Islands of Panay and Guimaras to show the human side of every soldier,” he said adding “that as the military continues to conduct security operations in the hinterlands, the Army will always find time to respond to its legal and moral duty to help the people.”

Aside from the 301st IB, this year’s IHL Month celebration saw the participation of the Commission on Human Rights-Region 6 and the Philippine National Red Cross.

The event was regarded as the first ever joint activity of the three agencies relative to the IHL Month observance.

Sison said the three agencies signified their full commitment to adhere to the provisions stated therein that shall promote the dignity of every human being.

This year’s IHL Month adopted the theme “Preserving Human Dignity in Times of Armed Conflict: A Shared Responsibility.”

Atty. Jonnie Dabuco, CHR-6 regional director, stressed the importance of humanitarian law citing that “after the war and conflicts, soldiers, law enforcement agents and other government workers all go back to who they used to be – a normal human being and citizen.”

Meanwhile, an IHL poster making contest was also done during the celebration.

All entries submitted by the units and dependents were posted and displayed inside the Brigade Multi-purpose building.

Artists from Iloilo City and members of PRC and CHR-6 served as judges.

CHR-6 led the awarding of winners of the poster making contest.

The 301st Brigade entries won first and second place awards while entry from the 552nd Engineer Construction Battalion bagged the 3rd place.

Likewise, five consolation prizes were given to 6RCDG, 61IB, Tactical Operations Group 6 and two from 301st Brigade.

Every unit was allowed to submit at least five entries.