Manila (ICRC) – To enrich their understanding of international policing standards and international humanitarian law, around 20 senior officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will participate in a two-day advanced course beginning today in Coron, Palawan.
The annual workshop, organized by the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office with the support of the ICRC, will include discussions on international standards regarding arrest, interrogation, search and seizure, detention, and use of force and firearms.
"The crucial challenge for law enforcement agencies is to identify which law is applicable in a given situation. As the primary law enforcement agency, the police force must understand and adopt international rules on policing. The ICRC maintains a dialogue with the police to encourage compliance with these standards," said Daniel Agob, the ICRC's delegate responsible for relations with police forces in the region.
A lecture on the basic principles of IHL will also be held, as some PNP units are involved in internal security operations. IHL regulates the means and methods of warfare, and protects those not or no longer participating in hostilities.
For further information, please contact:
Allison Lopez, ICRC Manila, tel: +63 908 868 6884
Wolde-Gabriel Saugeron, ICRC Manila, tel: +63 918 907 2125