SAN LUIS, Agusan del Sur -- In observance of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day, the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army once again affirmed its adherence to IHL through a joint lecture and open forum on IHL with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Caraga held recently at the Battalion Headquarters, Barangay Mahayahay, San Luis, this province.

The IHL is known as the law of war or the law of armed conflict. It is a set of rules which seeks for humanitarian reasons to limit the effects of armed conflict, protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in the hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 134 of 1999, August 12 of every year is designated as the IHL Day with this year's theme: "Upholding the Law of Armed Conflict Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protecting Humanity for Healing and Recovery".

"As duty bearers, it is our obligation to respect and protect the rights of our fellowmen in preserving human dignity. We all have rights, and we need to exercise those rights responsibly while respecting the rights of others," said Mi-An C. Taglucop, Information Officer III of CHR-Caraga, emphasized during her lecture to the troops of 26IB.

The best practices of the Battalion were also discussed during the lecture. As recalled from a previous encounter, a wounded New People's Army (NPA) rebel was captured by the troops of 26IB. Following the mandate of IHL, the wounded NPA was given a first aid immediately by the unit’s medical team and was brought to Talacogon District Hospital for his proper medical treatment.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB affirmed the adherence of the unit to IHL. "It is our duty to care for the wounded and sick, regardless of whether they are wounded fighters of non-state armed groups, uniformed personnel or civilians.  As we strengthen our counter-terrorism measures in our area of operations, we ensure that the Ever Onward troopers are performing their duties in accordance with stated policies, guidelines and procedures on IHL in all operations against known enemies of the state," he underscored.

"Aside from the threats imposed through armed conflict, an unseen threat, the COVID-19 pandemic is still on the rise. And it is even more important to ensure that all those affected by these threats are respected and protected. We, in the Philippine Army, continue our commitment to the promotion and implementation of IHL while securing our land and serving our people," added Goce. (2Lt. Cecille Tappa, CMO officer, 26IB/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)