AFP, UN partner vs drugs, crime

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines has forged a partnership with the United Nations (UN), with the AFP committing to help address problems related to illegal drugs and crime while respecting human rights.

UN resident coordinator Gustavo Gonzales announced yesterday the signing of a declaration of cooperation between the military and the UN office for drugs and crime at the AFP headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo.

“Transnational organized crime and terrorism represent security threats for human development,” Gonzales said in a Twitter post.

AFP chief Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro said the partnership “solidifies our contribution to have a cohesive, safe and resilient societies, including our own.”

“Our collaborative efforts, such as this, allow us to fortify our dedication with the promotion and fulfillment of human rights, specifically the protection of children, gender equality and empowerment of women and of the youth, as well as toward professionalism and respectable security sector governance,” Bacarro said.