ICRC-PNP holds 2nd AsPac Confab

The International Committee of the Red Cross restarted its second Asia Pacific Colloquium from 27 November to 1 December in Makati City with 40 local and 20 foreign delegates from police agencies of 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific Region participating.

After being sidelined by postponements over the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent health restrictions, this year’s humanitarian dialogue was organized in partnership with the Philippine National Police with the theme “Law Enforcement and Reducing Humanitarian Risks in the Early Stages of Detention”.

Maj. Gen. Michael John F Dubria, Acting Chief Directorial Staff represented the PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo S Azurin during the conference while the country’s top cop was also attending another international forum in France.

“We have increased the number of scheduled and surprise inspections of PNP custodial facilities nationwide as part of our anti-torture strategy. This is to ensure that persons under police custody are treated in a humane and dignified manner and to uphold their individual rights pursuant to human rights standards and existing laws,” Dubria said in his message during the opening ceremony.

According to Dubria, all police personnel has also been re-oriented on the obligation to inform all persons arrested, detained, or under custodial investigation about their rights under the law including their inalienable and non-derogable right to be free from torture, cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment.

“More than just responding to the requirements of human rights laws, we are here to jointly express our firm commitment to uphold the rights of all persons, including persons deprived of liberty, simply because we all need to preserve our inherent dignity and value as human beings,” Dubria added.