This is my maiden column for Watchmen Daily Journal, a local paper known for the tagline “Fair without fear,” which is the true essence of journalism.
The saying “When God closes a door, he opens a window” is really true. One chapter of my journey as a writer is history and today offers a new beginning, and I am eager to face new challenges and opportunities – by God’s grace alone, people change but, for sure, God never fails.
First and foremost I would like to thank Publisher David Fajardo and Editor-in-Chief Paulo Loreto Lim for green-lighting my column, along with the staff at Watchmen Daily Journal.
For the past few months, I have not been visible among media circles, apart from hosting the Friday edition of the Frankahanay Live program on RPN DYKB, courtesy of good friend Franklin Villanueva. I have also been preoccupied with so many other things.
However, my passion for writing is indisputable and my hunger to impart knowledge and opinion on various issues has drawn me to find an avenue for it; and Watchmen Daily Journal is the vehicle for this journey, the new home for “In Depth,” my column title since 2004.
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Last week, from June 14 to 15, a very important event transpired at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R). A seminar workshop on contemporary developments in international humanitarian law (IHL) in the Philippines was held, organized by the University of the Philippines (UP) Law Center Institute of International Studies (IIS), in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UNO-R, made possible through the efforts of UNO-R School of Law Dean John Paulo A. Villasor.
The seminar was very informative and education.
The event featured Atty. Marwil N. Llasos of IIS discussing laws regarding international conventions on torture and their domestic application; Atty. Modesta Apesa H.Chungalao, legislative lawyer for the Office of Senate President, offering an introduction to IHL principles and protection during armed conflict; ICRC legal adviser, Atty. Evecar Cruz- Ferrer, talked about IHL and nuclear weapons; Atty. Gilbert Andres talked about the comprehensive agreement on respect for human rights and IHL and its legal status and implementation; Integrated Bar of the Philippines-International Law and International Affairs Committee chair, Atty. Andre Palacios, lectured on the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and individual responsibility with regard to IHL and human rights violations; UP College of Law professor, Atty. Edgardo Carlo L.Vistan, enlightened participants on the importance of combatting impunity in the Philippines, along with salient features and pending legal issues surrounding RA 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity; and Atty. Monalisa Barro informed those gathered of the ICRC’s role in implementing IHL, along with Red Cross advocacies in both times of peace and conflict.
In addition, Center for International Law (CenterLaw) executive director, Atty. Rommel Regalado Bagares, a member of the Philippine Coalition for the ICC, talked about the importance of the ICC if the Philippines remains a member – I do hope President Rodrigo Duterte reconsiders his decision.
Meanwhile, CenterLaw deputy executive director, Atty. Gilbert Andres, a Bacolod City native, was present. He also chairs the Advocates for Freedom of Expression Coalition-Southeast Asia.
They stressed, impartiality in their undertaking is always adhered to regardless of sex, race, or creed./WDJ