Office of the Air Force Law of Armed Conflict

A meaningful step toward stronger collaboration and shared understanding, this year marked the first Staff-to-Staff Talk led by the CLOAC, AFP together with the Major Service OCLOACs.
The activity gathered key personnel dedicated to promoting International Humanitarian Law (IHL) within the Armed Forces of the Philippines. One highlight was the discussion by Mr. Richard M. Lucero, ICRC FAS Delegate, who stressed the importance of integrating IHL into AFP systems and daily operations showing that it is not just a legal concept, but a practical guide in decision-making.
The Major Service LOAC Offices also shared their ongoing efforts in promoting human Rights and IHL, including training programs and future plans related to External Security Operations.
The Staff-to-Staff Talk served as a venue for open dialogue, learning, and collaboration, wherein participants exchanged ideas, addressed challenges, and strengthened coordination across services.

🎒 Students are civilians.
✏️ Teachers are too.
🏫 Schools are civilian buildings.

All of them are protected by the rules of war.

Even when schools are used for military purposes, international humanitarian law (IHL) still requires armed actors to take all feasible precautions prior to attack, to avoid or minimize incidental harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Even wars have limits. Always

🎒 Students are civilians.
✏️ Teachers are too.
🏫 Schools are civilian buildings.

All of them are protected by the rules of war.

Even when schools are used for military purposes, international humanitarian law (IHL) still requires armed actors to take all feasible precautions prior to attack, to avoid or minimize incidental harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Even wars have limits. Always.

“We are seeing energy, fuel, water and health-care infrastructure damaged and destroyed. This disturbing trend is not limited to the Middle East or the last three weeks; it has been pervasive in conflicts across regions.”: Mirjana Spoljaric, ICRC President.
Read full statement 👉🏼 http://ms.spr.ly/6180Qsim8

“We are seeing energy, fuel, water and health-care infrastructure damaged and destroyed. This disturbing trend is not limited to the Middle East or the last three weeks; it has been pervasive in conflicts across regions.”: Mirjana Spoljaric, ICRC President.

Read full statement 👉🏼 http://ms.spr.ly/6180Qsim8

Staying neutral allows us to do our job. It is not indifference: it is a deliberate choice.
Our mission comes from the Geneva Conventions, universal laws that preserve a degree of humanity, even in war. Today, 163 years since our founding, neutrality remains as crucial as ever.
Learn more 👉🏽 http://ms.spr.ly/6189QQe7d

Staying neutral allows us to do our job. It is not indifference: it is a deliberate choice.

Our mission comes from the Geneva Conventions, universal laws that preserve a degree of humanity, even in war. Today, 163 years since our founding, neutrality remains as crucial as ever.

Learn more 👉🏽 http://ms.spr.ly/6189QQe7d

Attacks on critical infrastructure are not only about what is destroyed, but also about the people left without what they need to live.
Even wars have limits.
They must be respected.

Attacks on critical infrastructure are not only about what is destroyed, but also about the people left without what they need to live.

Even wars have limits.
They must be respected.

The consequences of urban warfare cannot easily be reversed.

Under international humanitarian law, parties to conflict must take all feasible precautions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

NATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH CELEBRATION | She keeps the rotors turning, and the mission going—quietly, precisely, and with unwavering commitment. “Dee,” a Presidential Aircrew, plays a critical role in ensuring operational readiness and flight safety. In celebration of “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” the PAF honors women like her who power progress from behind the scenes.

This National Women’s Month, we salute women in uniform who lead the change and help build a resilient and sustainable future for our nation. ✈️🇵🇭

The Philippine Air Force extends its warmest birthday greetings to Lieutenant General Arthur M Cordura PAF, Commanding General of the PAF.

Your visionary leadership continues to propel the PAF toward becoming a mission-oriented, capability-driven, and values-based organization. Under your command, the Air Force remains committed to safeguarding our skies, strengthening joint operations, and advancing its modernization goals.

May this special day bring you renewed strength, wisdom, and fulfillment as you lead with vision and purpose. The entire Air Force community stands united in pursuing a stronger, future-ready organization under your guidance.

PAF NEWS | PAF CONCLUDES INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW TRAINING OF TRAINERS

In line with the 2-Year Action Plan of the Commanding General, PAF, Lieutenant General Arthur M Cordura PAF, the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Training of Trainers was successfully conducted from October 1-7, 2025 at Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. The training was a partnership between the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Philippine Delegation and the PAF through the Office of the Air Force Law of Armed Conflict (OAFLOAC) headed by Colonel Felix M Balanza Jr PAF (MNSA).

As air operations play a critical role in modern warfare, the PAF sees the need to balance the advantage of air power with strict adherence to the laws of war. This specialized training strengthened the PAF’s institutional capacity in promoting and implementing IHL across all levels of command. A total of 40 Officers from various PAF operational units directly and indirectly engaging in air operations attended the said training. The participants were also equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) across the full spectrum of operations, including planning, targeting, and legal advising. Critical topics such as IHL principles and fundamentals, land, maritime, air, and space laws related to armed conflict were discussed.

Major General Thad Rufino P Candelario PAF, the Air Force Inspector General, and the Guest of Honor during the said activity, extended his appreciation to the ICRC delegation headed by Mr. Ricardo M. Lucero Jr., the Armed Forces Delegate of the ICRC, for their unwavering support being extended to the PAF. MGen Candelario also challenged the participants to integrate the lessons they learned into their operations, planning, and leadership, and reminded them that air power is most effective when guided by law, ethics, and professionalism. He also emphasized that strength is not only measured by firepower, but also by restraint; not only victory but by the integrity with which the victory is achieved; that a truly professional Philippine Air Force is one that fights with both courage and conscience.

This continued collaboration with the ICRC reflects the PAF’s unwavering commitment to uphold and ensure adherence to IHL that further reinforces the PAF’s role as defenders of the nation and guardians of the people—embodying the ideals of a FOCUS Philippine Air Force that is Mission-Oriented, Capability-Driven, and Values-Based.