Center for Law of Armed Conflict, AFP

Military decisions can have profound humanitarian consequences; as such, a solid understanding of international humanitarian law (IHL) remains essential at every level of command. ⚖️

Strengthening partnerships for a stronger culture of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law

The CLOAC, AFP team was honored to welcome COL ROZELLE B SALVOSA PAF (MNSA), newly installed Chief of the Office of the Air Force Law of Armed Conflict (OAFLOAC), during a courtesy call at Camp Aguinaldo on 28 May 2026.

The meeting was a great opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences from various training programs, and discuss future initiatives that will further strengthen LOAC education, training, and advocacy across the AFP.

Looking forward to stronger collaboration and meaningful partnerships between CLOAC, AFP and OAFLOAC in promoting HR and IHL throughout our organization.

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“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it... it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”- Anonymous

🫡 | The Department of National Defense joins the nation in the observance of the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 from May 28 until June 12, 2026. 🇵🇭

May our national flag continue to inspire patriotism, unity, and a steadfast commitment to safeguarding our freedom, sovereignty, and national dignity.

Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim brothers and sisters. 🕌☪️🙏

On this blessed occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Armed Forces of the Philippines stands in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating faith, sacrifice, compassion, and unity.

May this sacred celebration inspire peace, strengthen understanding among communities, and renew our shared commitment to service and nation-building.

Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim brothers and sisters.






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Thank you very much for your continued trust and satisfaction in your Armed Forces of the Philippines! 🇵🇭🫡😊😇🙏

AFP Ranks Among Top Trusted Government Institutions in Latest TNM Survey

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomes the results of the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) nationwide survey conducted by OCTA Research from March 19 to 25, 2026, which show that 72% of adult Filipinos trust the AFP, while 70% express satisfaction with its service performance.

The AFP noted that these results place the institution among the most trusted and best-performing government agencies in the country, reflecting sustained public confidence in its mandate and overall performance.

Conducted nationwide across the National Capital Region (NCR), Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the survey shows that the AFP’s trust and performance ratings have remained steady over the past three quarters. Regionally, the highest trust (75%) and satisfaction (73%) ratings for the AFP are recorded in the Visayas.

The AFP expressed its appreciation to the Filipino people for their continued confidence and support, emphasizing that public trust serves as a vital motivation for its personnel to further strengthen professionalism, accountability, and excellence in service as it fulfills its constitutional mandate.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Commission on Human Rights held a Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting at the SAAC Building, UP Diliman, Quezon City, to further strengthen coordination on CHR visits and inspections of AFP custodial facilities.

Led by the Assistant Director, CLOAC, AFP, together with the Major Service LOACs, the AFP TWG joined the discussion as part of the ongoing partnership between the AFP and CHR in promoting transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.

The meeting also continued discussions from the previous AFP-CHR regular meetings, with the Terms of Reference (TOR) now being finalized for approval and signing by the concerned authorities.

In line with Republic Act No. 10353, designated focal persons and their alternates in field units will continue coordinating with the CHR to facilitate unannounced visits and ensure unrestricted access to AFP custodial facilities while awaiting the approval of the TOR.

Inter-Agency Partners Unite for 2026 Human Rights Programs and Training

COL EDUARDO D ESQUIVIAS JAGS (GSC), Assistant Director, CLOAC, AFP attended the Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting for the 2026 Capacity Building initiatives held on May 6, 2026 at the CHR Multi-Media Room, with representatives from Commission on Human Right, Department of Justice, PNP Human Rights Affairs Office, Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates and Alternative Law Group, Inc.

The committee finalized key activities, including two Top Level Policy Dialogues on the Philippines’ Universal Periodic Review and Philippine Human Rights Action Plan, and agreed to update the Human Rights Training Handbooks to address current human rights issues and practical field concerns. A Training of Trainers (TOT) is also scheduled in October 2026 to help partner agencies roll out the updated modules nationwide.

Strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
The CLOAC, AFP provided Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on Human-Induced Hazards during the conduct of Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Basic Risk Reduction and Management training held on March 03, 04, 17, 19, and 24, 2026; April 14, 21, and 24, 2026; and May 05, 2026. These sessions took place across various venues including Amoranto Sports Complex, NGCP Head Office, Hortz Hotel, DepEd NCR, and Madison 101 Hotel. These trainings were designed to equip personnel of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become effective practitioners in civil defense and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

COL EDUARDO D ESQUIVIAS JAGS (GSC) AND CPT ANTHONY C CABARTEJA JAGS served as resource speakers, sharing valuable insights, practical experiences, and strategic perspectives emphasizing the importance of preparedness, coordination, and informed decision-making in mitigating risks and safeguarding communities.

Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, in a column on The Manila Times, expounded on the effects of the communist insurgency on Filipino communities, especially in the provinces, where armed “rebels” perpetrate attacks and endanger civilian lives.

“The ineluctable fact is that, its persistence notwithstanding, the CPP-NPA has failed to win over the population. Their point just does not stick,” wrote the author. “It is undeniable that they have resorted to banditry: extorting from families, exacting ‘revolutionary taxes’ and burning facilities — such as cellphone sites and towers — when their demands are not met.”

Full story in the link below 👇