CMO BATTALION CONDUCTS IHL SEMINAR

Agnes Lopez Reano

         Fort Bonifacio, Makati City           - The Civil Military Operations Battalion (CMOBn), Philippine Army, in coordination with the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Office of the Philippine National Red Cross-Quezon City Chapter, conducted a seminar/lecture on International Humanitarian Law at the Headquarters of the CMOBn on 29 November 2008. The activity was participated by Officers and Enlisted Personnel of Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the Battalion, together with the newly trained Community Organizing for Development (CODE) personnel that will be deployed within Metro Manila.

         Mr. Joel Fuentes and Mr. Roberto Lumagbos, representatives from the IHL office of Philippine National Red Cross gave lectures to the participants highlighting the importance and applicable principles of IHL, most specifically in the protection of civilians and non-combatant entities in times of war and/or conflict.

         COL BUENAVENTURA C PASCUAL INF (MNSA) PA, Commander of CMOBn, further stressed the significance of IHL in the day to day duties of soldiers, especially in the conduct of Civil-military operations. He further imparted that the enemy extensively exploits issues on human rights to degrade the image of soldiers and the government as whole. Hence, the basic knowledge of these principles and laws should be known by heart of every professional soldier and to be strictly adhered to as well.

         CMO Battalion made further coordination with Philippine National Red Cross-Quezon City Chapter regarding future collaborative projects and social services that will be conducted in different slum areas within Quezon City.