German HR official to meet with AFP

MANILA, Philippines - A German human rights official is set to meet with the Armed Forces of the Philippines today to discuss the AFP’s new security plan, Bayanihan, and policies designed to protect human rights.

Markus Loning, Germany’s Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid, will meet with officials of the AFP Human Rights Office, led by Col. Domingo Tutaan Jr. at the Armed Forces Commissioned Officers Club in Camp Aguinaldo at 10 a.m.

AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos, Jr. said the meeting will also cover the implementation of Bayanihan, a security plan that took effect Jan. 1, which focuses on developmental programs to curb rebellion.

The plan was drawn up amid claims by militant groups that the Armed Forces resorts to extrajudicial killings and torture to address insurgency. The military has denied the allegations and claimed that efforts are being undertaken to educate soldiers about respect for human rights.