The organizers recalled that a National Summit on IHLwas held on August 12,2009.t One of the objectives or target output of said IHL Summit was to come up with recommendations towards a Philippine Program of Action on IHL. Since then, however, no follow-up activity has been conducted to fulfill the objective. Given this background, the organizers proposed to hold this RTD in preparation to the eventual holding of a Second National Summit on IHL within 20L2. It is proposed that the RTD should serue as an impetus for all government agencies and CSOs/ NGOs concerned to undertake their respective assessment on their role and responsibilities on IHL before the holding of the Second National Summit, considering the enactment of the IHL law in 2009 and the recent ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC. The statement he said, appeals to the BIFF to refrain from further instigating violence which has already displaced at least 20,000 civilians. It likewise appeals to the AFP to ensure the protection of civilians in its pursuit operations against the BIFF. Finally, Gen. Tirtaan informed the body that the AFP is represented in the RTD by all major forces-from the Army, Navy and the Air Force. He cited the efforts being undertaken by the AFP such as the incorporation of the observance of IHL in the Internal Security and Peace PIan (Oplan Bayanihan) and the Rules of Engagement which spells out what should soldiers do when dealing with the enemy, civilians and the sick and wounded in compliance with IHL. KEYNOTE ADDRESS Judge Soliman Santos, Jr.z Judge Soliman discussed the advances made on MESSAGE Brig. Gen. Domingo Tirtaan Gen. Thtaan said the AFP is actively taking part in the celebration of the IHL month under the theme: "ltaguyod ang IHL: Sibilyan ay Pangalagaan" which is a manifestation of the individual and collective desire of various stakeholders for the implementation of the IHL. He said the principles of IHL, such as propoftionality of force, non-discrimination, limitations on the means and methods of warfare, must be concretized in the program of action on effecting IHL, based on the Philippine context. As such, the AFP is actively participating in the RTD with the end in view of protecting the civilians or non-combatants. Gen. Ttrtaan also said that the AFP wishes to bring to the fore the experiences of soldiers from the ground as he calls for a collective condemnation, as IHL advocates and as a people, of violations being committed by state and non-state actors alike. On this, he cited the statement of WeAct 1325 which commends the GRP and the MILF panels for their peace effofts despite the attacks of the BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters). L IHL since the National Summit that was held three years ago on August 12, 2009. He said one of the most important developments is the passage of the IHL Bill as RA 9851 in December 2009 and the ratification of the Rome Statute of the Intemational Criminal Court (ICC) on August 2011. He said these are "not just tactical victories for the cause of IHL as well as human rights in the Philippines; thei. are no less than strategic victories with long-term implications and benefits." He elaborated that'what is particularly significant about these achievements is that, with RA 9851, we actually already implemented the Rome For reference and further study, the Commission on Human Rights published the proceedings of the National IHL Summit in 2009. Copies were distributed to participants durlng the RTD. The Education and Research Office (ERO) of the CHR is in charge of the publication. The CHR also held simultaneous Regional IHL Summits in 2009. The Commission's IHL Committee is cunently consolidating the reports. Judge Soliman Santos, Jr., is a human rights and IHL lar,r,yer who prepared the three drafts of the IHL law in 2002, 2003 and 2006 He is former Coordinator of the Philippine Campaign to Ban Land Mlnes and now Presiding Judge of the 9th MCTC of Nabug-Bato, Camarines Sur and Acting Presiding Judge of the MTC of Balatan, Camarines Sur