(Photo courtesy of AFP) MANILA - Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the principles of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This took place during an oath-taking ceremony at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, which is part of the month-long observance of the IHL Month this August, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor said in a statement. AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Andres C. Centino urged the military to stay on the right track, improve performance and focus on accomplishing the mission of protecting the people and the state. "Over the years, much has been done to institutionalize the fundamentals of IHL, all of which underscores the importance of human rights and dignity and their protection above all else," Centino said in a speech delivered by AFP deputy chief-of-staff Vice Adm. Rommel Anthony SD Reyes. "Today, we reiterate our collective commitment to contribute to the full
(Photo courtesy of AFP) MANILA - As part of efforts to advance its human rights advocacy, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a non-government organization (NGO) advocating human rights protection. AFP chief, General Andres Centino, and Sulong Peace Inc. (SPI) executive director Joeven Reyes-Escober inked the agreement in a ceremony held at the AFP general headquarters building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The MOU signing was facilitated by the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC) headed by Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro Nacnac. "The AFP remains committed to ensuring that Human Rights (HR) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) continue to be invigorated to safeguard our country's enduring peace and security. Our military personnel's understanding of the significance of HR and IHL for individuals and groups involved in armed conflict can save many lives, especially during war," Centino said. The MOU
TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST — The Sitka spruce soaring more than 180 feet skyward has stood on this spot on Prince of Wales Island for centuries. While fierce winds have contorted
The Sitka spruce soaring more than 180 feet skyward has stood on this spot on Prince of Wales Island for centuries. While fierce winds have contorted the towering trunks of its neighbors, the spruce's trunk is ramrod straight. Standing apart from the rest of the canopy, it ascends to the height of a 17-story building.