The Joint Task Force Diamond, under the leadership of Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, reaffirmed its commitment to adhere to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) during the Simultaneous Flag Raising Ceremony on August 5, 2024, at the Headquarters of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.
The month-long observance of IHL is anchored on the theme “75 [Pitumput-limang] Taong Paninindigan sa IHL (Kamalayan, Kalinga, Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran: Kalakasan ng IHL sa Bagong Pilipinas)”
Brigadier General Consolito P. Yecla, the newly installed Assistant Division Commander of 4ID, led the reading of the soldier’s Pledge of Reaffirmation of Commitment and Support to IHL to the Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and Civilian Human Resource of the Command. Meanwhile, MGen. Cuerpo read the messages of Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. and the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido.
“As soldiers, airmen and airwomen, sailors, and marines, we remain steadfast in our commitment to enhancing our understanding, adherence, and promotion of International Humanitarian Law. It is paramount to our service and defines our roles as professional Armed Forces” MGen Cuerpo said as he read the IHL observance speech of the AFP Chief of Staff.
In his personal note, MGen Cuerpo commended the troops for their exemplary performance in upholding human rights and the fundamental principles of IHL in all aspects of duties and functions that lead to zero human rights violations. “For the past years that we have been accomplishing our mission, we have never experienced any human rights violations. I would like to congratulate all our troops, civilian human resource, and dependents for always being true to our words in adhering to and respecting human rights and international humanitarian law,” he said.
The ceremony was held simultaneously nationwide, including 4ID line units in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region.
