Military's zero tolerance advocacy gains headway

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) "zero tolerance" advocacy on human rights violence is gaining headway, a military official said Saturday.

Lieutenant Colonel Gamal Hayudini, 4th Civil Relation Group (CRG) chief, said it is one of the distinct changes the AFP is undertaking.

He said the AFP leadership has directed its members to observe humanitarian rights strictly.

"Military actions against lawless elements continue, but observing human rights is a challenge to every Filipino soldier," Hayudini said. "Its commitment of the AFP to the nation comes with the sense of responsibility and obligation to every duty they carry out."

He also said that maintaining a just and peaceful environment for the people and the country is the duty of the AFP.

The AFP's Human Rights Office headed by Colonel Domingo Tutaan Jr. is at the forefront of the zero tolerance advocacy on human rights violence, the official said. (Bong Garcia)