BAGUIO CITY – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is celebrating International Humanitarian Law (IHL) this month with the theme “Pagkilala at Pagpapahalaga sa IHL, Responsibilidad ng Lahat”.
The IHL is a set of rules which place restrictions on the use of weapons and methods of warfare. It protects people who are not or no longer participating in hostilities. IHL aims to protect human dignity and to limit suffering during times of war. It also requires the parties to a conflict to distinguish between combatants and civilians, and to refrain from attacking civilians; care for the wounded, sick and protect medical personnel; ensure that the dignity of prisoners of war and civilian internees is preserved by allowing visits by International Committee of the Red Cross
In line with the IHL commemoration, the PRC Baguio City chapter reminds the public of the proper use of the Red Cross emblems as provided under Republic Act 10530.
Annie Tamayo, PRC local chapter administrator, said it shall be unlawful for any other person or entity to misuse the words Red Cross or the emblem or any designation, sign, or insignia constituting an imitation thereof for any purpose whatsoever, and that the misuse of the emblems or any violation to the Red Cross is punishable under the law .
“We must help protect the symbol that protects lives. The red cross, red crescent, and red crystal should only be used by Philippine Red Cross (National Societies), International Committee of the Red Cross , International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Medical Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”
“It is important to remind people that the Red Cross is not just any other symbol, but an emblem that is to be respected and given proper acknowledgement as a symbol of humanitarian work all over the world. More importantly, the Red Cross emblem is a protection for those working in areas of conflict to be able to provide humanitarian and medical services to the most vulnerable and affected population”, Tamayo said.
The public may contact Philippine Red Cross Baguio City Chapter at 442-4036 or 0908-8852707 to report any misuse of the symbols or for IHL orientation./JDP/JBZ PIA CAR
