Army rights advocacy paying off; zero violations for 2012

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The intensified efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to educate and train its soldiers on the protection of Human Rights and adherence to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Rule of Law continue to pay off with zero Human Rights Violation (HRV) recorded for the first four months of 2012.
The AFP Human Rights Office (HRO) has been tasked to verify HRV reports involving military personnel that were referred to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
To address these circumstances, the AFPHRO created a Board of Inquiry (BOI) that was also replicated down to the battalion levels to conduct investigations that would validate the reports of the CHR.
The findings of the BOI revealed that all of the referred HRV cases tagging military personnel were only accusation and did not produce sufficient evidence against AFP soldiers.
The alleged HRV reports and complaints that the CHR has received covering the period from July 2010 to March 2012 totaled to 84 wherein the perpetrators are believed to be members of the military. Of this number, 15 were dismissed, while the rest are for filing of cases, further evaluation and/or investigation.
The AFPHRO has vowed to maintain its close coordination with the Commission on Human Rights to reconcile the numbers of alleged HRVs recorded by both parties.
AFPHRO is not taking these reports hands down, and is continuously acquiring the case information of CHR’s reports to further conduct investigations that would prove the veracity of the said HRV cases.
The AFP, at the same time, will not tolerate human rights violation within its ranks, and will continue to apply the rule of law toward any soldier at all times whether on duty or off duty.
Any soldier who will be involved in any misconduct or malpractice will be dealt with through the military justice system, but the AFP is not a prosecutory body and it can only go as far as undertaking disciplinary actions such as dismissal from military service and privileges.
Once an involved soldier goes outside military bounds, the final say will come from the higher civilian court which will undergo due process of law.
“The AFPHRO’s intensified efforts form part in the significant development in the AFP’s advocacy to promote and protect the Human Rights and adherence to the IHL,” said Colonel Domingo J. Tutaan, HRO chief.
Since its creation in 2007, the office has been consistent in its campaign programs pertaining to HR, IHL, and the Rule of Law. This is reflected in the advocacy lectures and seminars about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international human rights bills.
The AFPHRO is also very active in teaching AFP personnel assigned in garrisons and in the field about local laws such as the RA 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity; RA 9745 or the Anti-Torture Act of 2009; RA 7438 or the act defining the rights of arrested, detained or persons under custody as well as the duties of the arresting, detaining and investigating officers; and Rule 113 under the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Consistent with the whole-of-nation and multi-stakeholder principles of the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, the AFPHRO has been closely coordinating with other government agencies, human rights advocacy groups and local government units to spread the military’s advocacy on Human Rights.
“We have been presenting to the civilians what we are doing to educate and train our personnel in order to prevent and stop violations and malpractices on our part,” Tutaan said.
Just last month, the AFPHRO conducted a series of advocacy and training seminars in all AFP area commands and Philippine Navy units in the field.
The seminars are focused on raising the awareness as well as informing soldiers about the principles of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
It also teaches the soldiers about the proper process of filing complaints against the enemies who committed violations of this agreement.
“We will also be conducting non-formal education training by means of our mobile training team together with the International Committee of the Red Cross and Philippines–Monitoring Committee. Our target is the soldiers and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGUs) in the field particularly the different divisions and patrol bases of the Philippine Army,” Tutaan said.
“We will be training all the military trainers concerned and detachment commanders in our purpose of informing them, as well as for them to conduct day-to-day informal talks with their personnel about the protection of HR and adherence to IHL as their prime concern in all of their undertakings, combatant or not,” Tutaan added.
The awareness of soldiers together with the support and cooperation of other stakeholders contributed to the dwindling numbers of HRVs. This has brought the AFPHRO to come up with more programs and proposed mechanisms ahead that would further enhance AFP’s approach on dealing with HRV cases.
In fact, HR courses and modules are being taught as pre-entry courses to civilians who intend to join the military. This is also done in military schooling and is taught at the AFP Command and General Staff College, one of AFP’s premier training institutions tasked to train senior leaders and key officers who are about to take or assume command and sensitive staff positions in the AFP.
“What we really want is for each and every soldier to take deep into their heart what really is Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, and truly understand and apply it to all of their undertakings,” Tutaan said.
“We believe that every Filipinos deserve a safe and secure environment to live in, where progress and development thrives. This is why the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as embodied in our IPSP Bayanihan, has been continuously intensifying its advocacy on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law within our ranks so that our soldiers will perform better and more efficiently their duties and responsibilities in maintaining peace and stability in our country,” AFP Chief of Staff General Jessie Dellosa said.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2012/05/13/army-rights-advocacy-paying-zero-violations-2012-221253

Camping is one of the popular outdoor activities that take place in Clearwater Resort which is generally regarded as one of the best hotels in Clark Philippines. Here in this popular resort in Pampanga there is a safe and clean campsite that comes also with a private campfire ground for a complete camping experience outside of Manila. Guests and families camping at this private resort in Pampanga often enjoy outdoor facilities by the lake, the beach and picnic grounds also. Clearwater Resort is considered by schools, event organizers and social groups as one of the best campsites in the Philippines.

The best getaway destination vacation spot near Manila convenient safe and accessible is Clearwater Beach Resort in Clark Pampanga.

Highly recommended by travel guides as the best private resort in Pampanga, Clearwater Resort in Clark Philippines also offers beach and lake venues for company outings and family picnics. This outdoor resort hotel also offers several beautiful venues for beach wedding and garden receptions. No wonder this private resort in Angeles City Clark Pampanga is frequently visited by wedding couples for prenuptial photo shoot.

Travelers going north to Clark Pampanga frequently look for enjoyable hotel for family bonding during summer vacation in the Philippines. Many visitors to Angeles City, Pampanga Clark Philippines prefer to stay in private resorts located in a secure and safe destination. Staying in a private place makes it possible to enjoy a peaceful holiday with no stress. No wonder many tourists rate Clearwater Resort as the best day-trip destination for a summer getaway, a vacation and a place to celebrate special occasion also.

Travel guides and tourists destination listings unveil top picks for best resorts and hotels near Manila in the north. The most popular and frequently visited top pick destination for visitors to unwind and relax is Clearwater Resort located in Pampanga Angeles City, Clark Philippines. This famous hotel resort best getaway destination vacation spot near Manila convenient safe and accessible is Clearwater Beach Resort in Clark Pampanga. This beach and lake resort is frequently visited by Manila families with children on a getaway to go swimming and camping, or a picnic, fishing and some quality time for family bonding. Golf is one of the most popular sports in Clark Philippines because here one can find some of the best golf courses in Pampanga.

Quiet place for rest and relaxation near Manila, in Subic, Angeles City Pampanga and Clark Philippines is something that residents of Manila travelling to the north for a short getaway are looking for. Clearwater is one of the best hotel in Clark and the resort is a very popular venue for rest and relaxation especially for golfers after a round of golf at one of the best golf courses near Manila. Clark is home to some of the best golf courses in Pampanga.

For reservations, comments and inquiries,

Clearwater Resort & Country Club
Creekside Road corner of Centennial Road,
Central Business District, Clark Freeport Zone,
Pampanga, Philippines 2023

Tel: (045)599-5949 0917-520-4403 0922-870-5177

Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay

http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Email: Inquiry@ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Getting to this hotel in Clark Philippines
After entering Clark Freeport from Subic, Manila, Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along Clark’s main highway MA Roxas, passing Clark’s largest wine shop called Clark Wine Center on your right, continue to bear right making no turns at all, go past Mimosa Leisure Estate on the opposite side of the road, you will hit a major intersection. Go straight and the road becomes Creekside Road. YATS Clearwater Resort and Country Club is on your right just 200m down. Traffic in Clark Philippines is light so it should be quite easy for get to this hotel in Clark Philippines.

For inquiries and bookings, Youmay click here to contact Clearwater Resort for inquiries and reservations

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com

While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

While in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.
http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

http://www.LondonPubClark.com

http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.YatsWineCellars.com

For jobs and business investment opportunities in the Philippines please visit http://www.yilp.com