Monday, August 20, 2007 Civilians told to shun rebel groups
TO BE saved from any armed conflicts, civilians who are residing in areas prone to armed disputes were told to remain neutral and distance themselves from rebellious groups.
The local chapter of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) advised civilians to avoid sympathizing groups that are against the government so they could be spared from battles.
Lourdes Ng, chairperson of the IHL and a member of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), said groups involved in wars should spare innocent people as she also advises civilians to remain neutral and stay away from defiant groups.
The call came in an observation that civilians are often involved in armed conflicts because some tend to sympathize with rebellious groups.
"This is a global problem. Much as we want civilians to be spared in wars, they often get involved because they sympathize with the groups involved in the conflict," she said.
The IHL and PNRC are among those advocating for the respect of an individual's right to life. The groups stressed that children and civilians caught in the war should not be involved in the conflict. (JC)
