PNP Expands Human Rights Training for Cops

Two consecutive training sessions on international humanitarian law (IHL) were held this week attended by at least 50 members of the Philippine National Police who take part in internal security operations.

The trainings, conducted by the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), are part of efforts to integrate the teaching of IHL, also known as the law of armed conflict, in the police force.

On Nov. 9-10, 25 instructors from the Special Action Forces (SAF) and representatives from the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) underwent an IHL workshop in Tagaytay City to enhance their capacity to teach IHL in the PNP-SAF Training School in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, and integration of IHL in the curriculum of the PPSC.

On Nov. 12-13, a separate training was held in Baguio City for 25 members of the SAF, Regional Public Safety Battalion and Provincial Public Safety Companies in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Topics include the general principles of IHL; Republic Act 9851, or the domestic IHL law; as well as international standards on policing.

“These trainings are highly relevant to these PNP units that are involved in internal security and counter insurgency operations. We look forward to continue working with the PNP to ensure that IHL is understood and appreciated among these units,” said ICRC legal adviser Atty. Evecar Cruz-Ferrer.

IHL regulates the means and methods of warfare and protects those not or no longer participating in hostilities, including civilians.

The ICRC, a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization, promotes the teaching of IHL to increase awareness and foster compliance among weapon bearers.

It has been working with the PNP HRAO since 2012 to integrate IHL and human rights law in the education of PNP personnel, and has trained around 300 police officers on these subjects.

PDDG MARCELO P GARBO, JR, The Deputy Chief PNP for Administration in his speech during the closing ceremony reminded all participants to continue their reforms related to human rights and international humanitarian law and every effort must be made to ensure that all PNP personnel are taught to apply international policing standards. By doing so, we can raise the bar of excellence in the security sector and give our people the kind of service they need and deserve. (PNP-PIO)

Source: pnp.gov.ph