Soldiers in N. Cotabato train on human rights issues

Some 100 soldiers from the 57th Infantry Battalion and the special forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines underwent a training on human rights' issues last June 29 in an army base in Poblacion Makilala, North Cotabato.

The said training was conducted by the office of the Commission on Human Rights 12 and was participated by soldiers who are assigned in places that are considered as "highly influenced" by the communist guerrillas.

According to 57th IB Lt. Col. Noel dela Cruz, they requested CHR 12 to conduct the training to equip the soldiers with knowledge regarding the laws, rules and policies in protecting their human rights.

He also said that the soldiers were taught about important matters under Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

"The training is a good opportunity for our soldiers to be educated about basic human rights so that they will know when and how these rights are violated," Dela Cruz added.

Things about basic economic and political rights were also taught to the armed forces.

CHR 12 Regional Director Atty.Cristina Hawtay-Jovero stressed that the training is in connection with their United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees -supported project in protecting the internally displaced persons.

The training led by CHR 12 aims to provide the soldiers of the 57th Infantry Battalion and the special forces with knowledge on the protection of human rights as well as with the IHL. - PIA — ARA