AFP camps light up to inspire joy, hope

YULETIDE MOOD Photo shows a Christmas tree at Camp Aguinaldo being lit simultaneously with other trees in military camps all over the country. —Photo from Armed Forces of the Philippines Facebook page

Armed Forces of the Philippines camps nationwide simultaneously lit up their Christmas trees on Wednesday, an event meant to inspire joy and hope, and awaken the spirit of nationalism and love of service in all soldiers. AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Andres Centino led the tree lighting at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, while the Philippine Army, the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Navy and all unified commands held their own ceremonies in their respective camps.

“Now that we have illuminated this iconic Christmas tree, may its luminescence symbolize joy and hope. More importantly, may it awaken further our spirit of nationalism and love for service, as we continue to faithfully fulfill our sworn duty to our country and people,” Centino said.

He also lauded AFP officials and personnel for remaining “resilient and triumphant over seemingly insurmountable odds” in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wednesday was also the start of National Human Rights Consciousness Week and the AFP affirmed its commitment to protect and uphold human rights in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). “The AFP is one with the CHR and every human rights champion worldwide in advancing and defending human rights principles. This is both our obligation and commitment to every Filipino,” Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, AFP Center for the Law of Armed Conflict (Cloac) director, said at the launching of the weeklong event at the CHR compound in Quezon City.

Earlier this year, the Cloac signed a memorandum of understanding with the CHR for more collaboration and cooperation, including training, data sharing and dialogues on human rights protection.

Nacnac cited the center’s submission to the CHR of reports on 1,600 incidents of atrocities committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army to help in its investigation and filing of cases against communist rebels.

“As the agency mandated to protect the people and the state, it is our inherent and primary advocacy to preserve and uphold human rights. We enjoin every Filipino soldier [to join] in this weeklong moment of celebration and introspection,” he said.