DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Army's 302 Infantry (Achiever) Brigade joined the nation in the observance of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Week, with this year's theme-"IHL, the International Criminal Court, and RA 9851: Protecting Against Impunity as an Instrument of Peace."
The activity was highlighted with a flag raising ceremony and reading of the Pledge of Commitment by Col. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302nd IB.
Jesus Cañete, of the Commission on Human Rights-7 special investigator for Negros Oriental, in his speech expounded the IHL, and the Republic Act 9851 or the law defining and penalizing crimes against IHL, gGenocide and other crimes against humanity, organizing jurisdiction and designating special courts.
Patrimonio, for his part, said the brigade's observance of IHL was intended to promote the idea of the different stakeholders that military personnel under his jurisdiction strictly adhere and are advocators of human rights, IHL and the rule of law.
In another development, soldiers of the 302nd IB joined about 3,000 people in a marathon initiated by Silliman University Alumni Association dubbed as, Silliman Run 2011 - "Run to Educate" at the Hibbard Avenue in this city last Sunday.
The event was the opening salvo of the month-long celebration of Silliman U's 110th Founding Anniversary, which would culminate on August 28. - THE FREEMAN