THE Philippine National Police headed by General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil yesterday accepted copies of International Humanitarian Law Handbook for the PNP produced by the International Committee of the Red Cross in coordination with the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office.

“Today marks another milestone in our continued commitment to uphold the rule of law, human rights, and humanitarian principles in the fulfillment of our mandate to serve and protect the Filipino people,” said Gen. Marbil in a speech read for him by PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, Lieutenant Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.

In behalf of the PNP, Lt. Gen. Nartatez thanked the head of the ICRC Delegation in Manila, Johannes Bruwer, for developing the handbook in partnership with the PNP-HRAO headed by Brigadier Gen. Jerry V. Protacio.

Bruwer was joined by ICRC Delegate for Relations with Police and Security Forces Ahmed Dorgham and ICRC Protection Coordinator, Trishna Lama Vyas, during the event held at the PNP Star-Lounge.

“This handbook is more than just a publication—it is a critical tool for every police officer in times when the line between security enforcement and humanitarian considerations becomes most challenging,” said Gen. Marbil.

In particular, he said that the lessons of the Marawi Siege in 2017- one of the most complex and longest urban armed conflicts in our modern history—”remind us of the weight of our duty—not only to restore order, but also to preserve human dignity, even in the harshest circumstances of armed conflict.”

“International Humanitarian Law—or the law of armed conflict—is our compass in such times. It ensures that amidst violence and chaos, we do not lose our humanity. It guides us to distinguish between civilians and combatants, to exercise caution in all our operations, and to ensure that any force used remains proportionate to the objective at hand,” the top cop said.

He likewise maintained that “these principles are not just legal obligations but moral imperatives that underscore the professionalism and discipline expected of every member of the Philippine National Police.”

The top cop encouraged all PNP personnel—whether assigned in the frontline or at the command level—to study, understand, and apply its principles in the course of your duties.

“Let this handbook be a symbol of our continuous pursuit of excellence—isang Mahusay, Matatag, at Maasahang Kapulisan—a police force that is both strong in its resolve and grounded in compassion and justice,” he added as he reaffirmed the PNP’s pledge to protect life, uphold rights and serve the country with honor and integrity.

Bruwer said it is their privilege to visit the PNP national headquarters anew and meet its top officials just a few months after the PNP and the ICRC renewed and reinforced its partnership through the signing of an updated memorandum of understanding.

Bruwer, the ICRC head in Manila, explained that everybody knows that International Humanitarian Law—or IHL—is a body of law primarily designed for situations of armed conflict, and it is not the regular legal framework that governs police operations.

“It is the result of the dedicated efforts of the Technical Working Group—comprising legal experts from the ICRC and experienced officers from various PNP units, including the Human Rights Affairs Office, the Special Action Force, the PNP Academy, and the PNP Training Service. Together, you engaged in multiple rounds of drafting, workshops, and discussions—demonstrating what is possible when we build something collaboratively, with a shared vision,” he said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon