The training was held at Apo View Hotel in this city recently.
The Administrative Order Number 35 (AO35) series of 2012 created the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) on Extra-Judicial Killings, Enforced Disappearances, Torture, and Other Grave Violations of the Right to Life, Liberty, and Security of Persons. The Secretary of Justice chairs the AO35 committee.
Apart from the military officers, also participated in the training were city and provincial chief prosecutors, investigators from the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, and personnel from Commission on Human Rights.
10th ID in its report said that topics discussed during the training included the AO35 Mechanism Structure and Mandate, Electronic Evidence, Minnesota Protocol and the PNP Crime Scene Investigation Protocols, Domestic Humanitarian Laws, Enforced Disappearances, Torture, CHR Support and Assistance for Victims and Witnesses of Human Rights Violations, and Victims Compensation Program.
Assistant State Prosecutor and Head AO35 Secretariat Gino Paolo Santiago said the increased budget allocation to the AO35 Secretariat reflected the government's policy emphasizing the importance of accountability mechanisms and addressing human rights violations.
He said through organized efforts, they have increased case monitoring and engagement with civil society organizations, resulting in improved monitoring and conviction rates.
“With this journey sana, sana makasama namin kayo sa ating hangarin na maresolusyonan itong mga kasong ito, dahil mananatili dito ang secretariat ng technical working group para tulungan kayo sa ating mga ginagawang investigation,” he said.
10th ID spokesman Major Mark Anthony Tito, who were also among the participants, meanwhile assures their commitment and adherence to Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and the Rule of Law.
“10th ID shall not tolerate any violation of the said law,” he said.
As per record by the Human Rights Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippine, a total of 544 minors have been used as child warriors by the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
The AFP also recorded 532 incidents of destruction of property committed by the communist group.
Photo from 10th ID