Philippine Navy Office for Law of Armed Conflict

READ | PNOLOAC Honors CHR Region IV-A during 2026 PN Stakeholders Awarding Ceremony

Demonstrating its commitment to meaningful partnerships and professional collaboration, the Philippine Navy Office for Law of Armed Conflict (PNOLOAC), under the leadership of Capt Jim P Razo PN(GSC), recognized the Commission on Human Rights IV-A during the 2026 Philippine Navy Stakeholders Awarding Ceremony held on May 26, 2026, at the Philippine Navy Officers’ Club, Taguig City.

The award was received by Atty. Rexford D. Guevarra, Regional Director of CHR Region IV-A, with Capt Razo PN(GSC) assisting the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q Ezpeleta PN, in presenting the plaque and memento.

The recognition highlighted the enduring partnership between the Philippine Navy and CHR Region IV-A in advancing the promotion of human rights, international humanitarian law (IHL), and ethical military conduct among PN personnel. Through various educational lectures and advocacy engagements spearheaded by PNOLOAC, CHR Region IV-A has consistently shared valuable expertise on key legal frameworks, including the Bill of Rights and Republic Acts Nos. 11188, 9851, and 11313.

This sustained collaboration has strengthened the capacity of PN personnel to uphold professionalism, protect vulnerable sectors, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards across operational environments. It likewise reflects the Philippine Navy’s steadfast commitment to accountability and dedicated service to the Filipino people.

Photos by NPAO.

PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready

READ | PNOLOAC Joins 1st LOAC Staff-to-Staff Talk

The Philippine Navy Office for Law of Armed Conflict (PNOLOAC), led by CAPT JIM P RAZO PN(GSC), participated in the 1st Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) Staff-to-Staff Talk held last April 24, 2026, at the Aguinaldo Room, AFP Commissioned Officers Club, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Hosted by the Center for Law of Armed Conflict, AFP (CLOAC, AFP), the quarterly activity aims to enhance coordination among AFP and Major Service LOAC offices, ensuring cohesive efforts in promoting Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and the Rule of Law.

The program featured an IHL Integration discussion by COL RICARDO LUCERO of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), followed by updates from Major Service LOACs on first quarter accomplishments, upcoming initiatives, and proposed 2027 external security operations (ESO) activities. An open forum enabled alignment on key concerns, with closing remarks delivered by COL WENDELL J BASAT PA(GSC), Director, CLOAC, AFP.

The engagement, organized by the Advocacy and Research team and under CSAFP guidance, reinforces the AFP’s commitment to its legal obligations and the continued integration of LOAC principles in military operations.

READ | CAPT JIM P RAZO PN(GSC), Director, Philippine Navy Office for Law of Armed Conflict (PNOLOAC), together with his team and representatives from other AFP LOAC Major Services, participated in the 2nd AFP-CHR Meeting hosted by the Center for Law of Armed Conflict, AFP (CLOAC, AFP) under the leadership of COL WENDELL J BASAT PA(GSC).

The meeting brought together key officials from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), led by Chairperson Richard P Palpal-Latoc, alongside Executive Director Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, Ms Joyce M Crisanto, OIC-Director IV, Human Rights Promotion Office, and Atty Jasmin Regino, Director IV, Human Rights Protection Office.

Discussions centered on strengthening AFP-CHR collaboration, particularly the presentation of the draft Terms of Reference (TOR) on CHR custodial visits and inspections of AFP detention facilities. Other agenda items included International Humanitarian Law (IHL) training for CHR lawyers, Human Rights Week initiatives, case updates, and the scheduling of the next dialogue, underscoring a shared commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.

ARAW NG KAGITINGAN | Ang Hukbong Dagat Ng Pilipinas ay taos-pusong nagbibigay-pugay sa tapang at sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani na nag-alay ng buhay para sa kalayaan ng bayan.

Sa diwa ng “Giting ng Bayani, Pamana sa Salinlahi”, ang bawat mandaragat at mandirigma ay patuloy na humuhugot ng lakas at inspirasyon mula sa kanilang halimbawa upang ipagtanggol ang ating karagatan at pangalagaan ang soberanya ng Pilipinas sa anumang hamon.

Mananatili sa aming mga puso ang kagitingan, katatagan, at pagmamahal sa bayan. Ito ay isang pamana na patuloy naming ipapasa sa susunod na salinlahi.

Maligayang ika-84 Araw ng Kagitingan!

Philippine Navy: Addressing Challenges, Promoting Regional Stability, and Maritime Security

LOOK | CAPT JIM P RAZO PN(GSC), Director, PNOLOAC, together with his team, paid a courtesy call on the Center for Law of Armed Conflict, AFP (CLOAC, AFP), led by its Director, COL WENDELL J BASAT PA(GSC).

The engagement featured a dynamic exchange of insights, highlighted by a presentation and forward-looking discussions on key priorities, including upcoming joint activities and the way ahead, strengthening collaboration and sharpening the mission edge.

Our Philippine Navy: Guardians of our future maritime security Last Thursday, I was extremely pleased to be invited to the headquarters of the Philippine Navy along Roxas Boulevard for a briefing on our maritime security in relation to the United States.

READ | Virtual Philippine Navy Forum on Human Rights 2025

The Philippine Navy, through the PN Office for Law of Armed Conflict (PNOLOAC), conducted the 2025 Virtual PN Forum on Human Rights on December 15, 2025, via Webex, in line with National Human Rights Consciousness Week and the 77th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Guest speakers included Ms. Carol Pajaron from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), who discussed the Special Protection of Children in Armed Conflict, and COL Eduardo D. Esquivias, JAGS (GSC), Acting Director of the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC), who shared insights on military operations, human rights, IHL, and AFPCLOAC best practices. Participants were also able to engage with the speakers through open forum sessions.

Capt. Jim P. Razo PN (GSC) opened the activity by emphasizing the Navy’s duty to uphold human rights in every mission, echoing this year’s theme: “Philippine Navy: Addressing challenges, promoting regional stability, and strengthening maritime security.”

In his closing remarks, Vice Adm. Jose Ma Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta PN, Flag Officer in Command, PN, expressed gratitude to the speakers and all the participants, highlighting the importance of strengthening the Navy’s human rights advocacy.

The forum was attended by LOAC officers, LOAC action officers, LOAC action PO/NCOs, and available personnel from various PN units, all joining virtually.

This activity successfully capped the Philippine Navy’s year-end initiatives promoting human rights and adherence to international humanitarian law.