The Philippine Army, through the Army Human Rights Office (AHRO), strengthened its collaboration with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to sustain and further improve the various mental health program and culture of safe spaces in the military at the Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on July 13, 2023.
CHR Chairperson Atty. Richard P. Palpal-latoc was delighted to announce that the Philippine Army is proactive in developing its advocacy and protection of human rights through training, information dissemination, and open dialogues with the Army officers and enlisted personnel deployed on the ground and in the garrison.
Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. highlighted the command’s creation of safe spaces in the Army, which gave importance to respect, openness, and negotiation in the face of personal and social differences among various individuals. Likewise, the CHR also vowed to conduct regular meetings with AHRO and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Center for Law of Armed Conflict (CLOAC) to resolve the issues and discuss related matters on human rights.
Lt. Gen. Brawner expressed his gratitude to the CHR and AHRO for their collaborative efforts to build a safe and secure environment for civilians and military personnel. The Army chief also reiterated that the leadership would continue to work together with the CHR to develop a more holistic and cohesive mental health program that will protect the well-being and resilience of the Army soldiers in the workplace, “The advancement of the mental health program will help the soldiers to cope with their anxieties and work efficiently to be of great service in their communities,” the Army chief said.
Photos by Cpl. Rodgen V. Quirante, OACPA