In an effort to push forward the Top-Level Policy Dialogues on Human Rights, the partners and stakeholders of the project “Community-based Dialogue Sessions on Human Rights Promotion and Protection between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, and Civil Society Organizations and Local Communities” joined for a courtesy call on the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lieutenant General Emmanuel T. Bautista last 25 October 2012 at his office at the Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Atty. Marlon Manuel, National Coordinator of the Alternative Law Groups (ALG) and Lead Project Implementor briefed Lieutenant General Bautista about the project since its inception in 2008 up to the present. He shared key milestones toward the main goal of “contributing to the improvement of the Human Rights situation in the Philippines primarily through the enhancement of the relationship between the security forces (AFP and PNP), on one hand, and local communities and civil society organizations, on the other hand, in the common effort to promote human rights” as well as the work plan for the next phase of the project which is the institutionalization of collaboration between the security forces and civilians in the promotion and protection of human rights.

During the discussion, the need for convergence of grassroots discussion with policy discussion and reform was highlighted. It was noted that the issues and problems that were identified during the regional dialogue sessions should be able to help in crafting new policies and operating procedures particularly of the PNP and the AFP, but also in other aspects of governance that may concern other agencies. This will be done by scaling up the dialogue process from the grassroots to the policy arena through the Top-Level Dialogues, by involving the top leadership of the AFP and the PNP, and policy makers of lead government offices. The other components of the project were also expounded on such as the multi-sector Human Rights Education/Training, Follow-through Dialogue Sessions at the Provincial Level, and Continuing Coordination, Monitoring and Documentation.

The representatives of the partner organizations from the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP), ALG, AFP Human Rights Office, Philippine Army Human Rights Office, Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation/Germany (HSF), exchanged insights and experiences with General Bautista in the course of implementing the project, notably a positive change of attitude among members of the security forces towards human rights and interest among stakeholders in sustaining the momentum to accelerate or bring closer a convergence in solving human rights cases/incidents.

Lieutenant General Bautista acknowledged the valuable efforts of the project partners and stakeholders, and the success of the project in engaging the AFP, especially the Philippine Army, in continuing dialogues to help achieve its vision of “a world-class army that is a source of national pride.” He articulated that at present, field commanders at all levels are constantly being engaged to protect and promote respect for human rights, and ensure transparency and accountability in its operations. He intimated further strengthening the capability of the Human Rights Officers (HROs) of the Philippine Army and hopes to see the time come when AFP officers are teaching about human rights. He expressed his support and commitment to the Top-Level Policy Dialogues and in further localizing the dialogue sessions on human rights.