THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), through the Coast Guard Strategic Studies and International Affairs Centerl (CGSSIAC), with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross Philippinese (ICRC), held the first roundtable discussion (RTD) titled “Accountability at Sea: Legal and Operational Protection of Persons in Armed Conflict” in Makati City.
The RTD, a successful collaboration between the PCG and the ICRC, underscored the PCG’s commitment through the Center to promoting legal and operational discussions on the protection of persons affected by armed conflict in maritime environments.
This first RTD served as a platform to identify challenges and gaps in the application of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL) within the context of maritime law enforcement, particularly for the PCG.
The event was graced by Chief of Coast Guard Staff Rear Admiral Hostillo Cornelio PCG; Director of CGSSIAC Rear Admiral Rommel Supangan PCG; and the Head of the ICRC Philippine Delegation, Mr. Johannes Bruwer.
In their opening remarks, they emphasized the importance of integrating humanitarian principles into maritime operations, particularly during times of conflict and crisis at sea.
The morning sessions featured presentations from Mr. Ahmed Dorgham, ICRC Delegate for Police and Security Forces, who provided a briefing on the humanitarian mission of the ICRC a neutral, impartial, and independent organization with an exclusively humanitarian mandate derived from the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
Meanwhile, legal advisers Mr. Jeffrey Michael Sison and Ms. Allelu de Jesus offered legal insights into the application of IHL at sea, discussing the legal thresholds for conflict, the responsibilities of belligerents, and obligations toward neutral states.
Additional insights were shared by Ms. Trishna Lama Vyas, ICRC Protection Coordinator, and Mr. Dean Sarzinski, ICRC Forensic Specialist, who addressed the protection and management of the deceased.
The afternoon session featured discussions led by Commodore Oliver Tanseco PCG and Captain Corazon Merilles-Aguilar MC PCG.
They presented the PCG’s protocols for handling prisoners of war and managing deceased individuals during maritime operations.
Their presentation highlighted the PCG’s commitment to aligning its procedures with international humanitarian standards.
The event concluded with a closing remark delivered by CGSSIAC Deputy Director, Captain Kimmy Carrie Necesario PCG.
She emphasized the shared responsibility of all maritime actors to uphold humanitarian values and reiterated the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration to ensure effective and humane maritime law enforcement.
Based on the outcomes of this event, a second roundtable discussion expected to take place in July 2025 will support the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Philippine Coast Guard – Philippines Facebook Page.
