Military may get Europe aid for HR efforts

MANILA, Philippines - The military yesterday said it may receive a capacity-building assistance from the European Parliament due to its efforts to educate soldiers about respect for human rights.

The matter was discussed during a meeting between military officials and European Parliament member Norica Nicolai last Tuesday at Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said.

The meeting was held amid continuous allegations of human rights violations against a number of soldiers involved in counter-insurgency operations.

“A possible capacity-building assistance for the AFP’s human rights efforts is seen by European Parliament member Norica Nicolai,” Burgos said in a statement.

“Nicolai expressed her enthusiasm for future cooperation and assistance for the AFP after validating ongoing efforts of the military in addressing human rights issues among its ranks,” he added.